Honouring strength: Overcoming addiction identities.

This thesis explores how some people manage their relationship with/without alcohol in ways that do not seem to harmonize with status quo discussions of alcohol abuse and recovery. My question was: How do the experiences and needs of those overcoming addiction independently of 12-step/disease-model culture impact social work practice? This qualitative study explores experiences of seven "outsider" participants. Two quit drinking completely without the help of addiction therapy or self-help groups; the remaining five participants reclaimed a manageable relationship with alcohol after years of dedication to 12-step programs. The participants' experiences are explored using a social constructionist cultural model. Issues regarding the political context of addiction counselling are explored reflecting my 20 years of experience in this field, and implications including assessment and resource development for social work practitioners are discussed.