Social and transitional identity: exploring social networks and their significance in a therapeutic community setting

Abstract

Purpose – There is considerable literature indicating the importance of social connectedness and its relationship to wellbeing. For problem substance users, a similar literature emphasises the importance of the transition from a social network supportive of use to one that fosters recovery. Within this framework, the therapeutic community (TC) is seen as a critical location for adopting a transitional identity (i.e. from a “drug user” to a “member of the TC”), as part of the emergence of a “recovery identity” following treatment. The purpose of this paper is to outline a model for conceptualising and measuring identity based on the theories of social identity and recovery capital, and pilots this model within a TC setting. Design/methodology/approach – A social identity mapping was used with TC residents to test their identification with “using” and “TC” groups, and their relationship to recovery capital. Findings – The network mapping method was acceptable to TC residents, and provided valuable insights into the social networks and social identity of TC residents. Research limitations/implications – This paper explores issues around mapping social identity and its potential in the TC and other residential settings. Originality/value – The paper integrates a number of conceptual models to create a new framework for understanding transitions in social networks during treatment and reports on a novel measurement method underpinning this.