Self-control or Flourishing? A Thematic Analysis of Experiences of Alcohol Users of the Rediscovery Process

Abstract

There is a developing interest in recovery-based approaches, positive psychology and the importance of flourishing in alcohol use disorders (AUD). However, there has been little research into approaches that focus on flourishing in AUD and some concerns have been raised that this new focus will supplant or conflict with the existing impulsivity-reducing approaches, creating poorer alcohol use outcomes. The study addressed research questions on how the approach was adopted and valued by participants, how it compared to other approaches, how aware participants were of changes in recovery capital and positive psychology-focused concepts, such as flourishing or impulsivity. A thematic analysis (TA) evaluated the experiences of participants with harmful alcohol regarding the efficacy and acceptability of The Rediscovery Process, a brief, recovery-focused approach for AUD designed to support flourishing and address impulsivity issues. The TA identified two main themes (1) control and (2) flourishing and many participants noted differences between this approach and others and the majority found the intervention effective in reducing alcohol use. This study helps bridge the gap between the more traditional focus of addressing the psychopathology and approaches developing flourishing in AUD and the wider implications are discussed.