2019 Volume 22 Issue 2 Pages 15-24
Objective: This study aimed to clarify the process by which alcoholics maintain both employment and abstinence, and consider support methods.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 alcoholics who are members of Danshu-Kai（an alcohol abstinence group）and the data was analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach.
Results: “A person who is being manipulated by alcohol” selected hospitalization for an “edge of the cliff decision” and participated in “Danshu-Kai to ease my loneliness”. Although they had a “workplace that supports reinstatement” they experienced “difficulty with reinstatement”. Under these circumstances, they were constantly performing “self-activation to prevent alcohol relapse”. They became “reborn”, and they take on a “way of working like oneself” because “I want to cherish my family”. Furthermore, “self-activation to prevent alcohol relapse” was the central category of the process.
Discussion: This study clarified the process by which alcoholics who are working performed “self-activation to prevent alcohol relapse” and became aware of a “way of working like oneself”. It is important to understand the background of alcoholics who have been drinking for a long time in order to relieve their stress and depressive symptoms. Supporters, including public health nurses, need to continue support to provide for reducing “anxiety about relapse”.
