Addictions as Emotional Illness: The Testimonies of Anonymous Recovery Groups

Participants in recovery groups from a variety of addictions, following the Alcoholics Anonymous model, identify with each other as suffering from a common "illness of the emotions." This study analyzes metaphors used to describe the patterns and dynamics of this emotional illness and reco...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Alcoholism treatment quarterly 2016-01, Vol.34 (1), p.79-91
Main Author: Helm, Paula
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Addictions
alcoholics anonymous
Alcoholism
anonymity
emotion illness
Emotional disorders
Emotions
Illnesses
Metaphor
personal writings and testimonials
recovery groups
Suffering
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:Participants in recovery groups from a variety of addictions, following the Alcoholics Anonymous model, identify with each other as suffering from a common "illness of the emotions." This study analyzes metaphors used to describe the patterns and dynamics of this emotional illness and recovery, derived from the personal writings and testimonials of group participants. Ways in which the participants discover alternate ways to deal with their emotional illness other than manipulating it to an active addiction are also explored.
ISSN:0734-7324
1544-4538
DOI:10.1080/07347324.2016.1114314