Social identity, social networks and recovery capital in emerging adulthood: A pilot study

Nov 13, 2015Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy

Social identity, friendships, and resources for recovery in young adults: A pilot study

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Abstract

Lower group substance use is associated with higher recovery capital and better quality of life.

Stronger identification with non-using groups correlates with increased recovery capital.
Higher importance placed on non-using groups within social networks is linked to improved environmental quality of life.
In contrast, greater importance given to using groups is associated with diminished environmental quality of life.
Findings support the social identity model of recovery in emerging adults undergoing treatment.

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BACKGROUND: It has been argued that recovery from substance dependence relies on a change in identity, with past research focused on 'personal identity'. This study assessed support for a social identity model of recovery in emerging adults through examining associations between social identity, social networks, recovery capital, and quality of life.

METHODS: Twenty participants aged 18-21 in residential treatment for substance misuse were recruited from four specialist youth drug treatment services - three detoxification facilities and one psychosocial rehabilitation facility in Victoria, Australia. Participants completed a detailed social network interview exploring the substance use of groups in their social networks and measures of quality of life, recovery capital, and social identity.

RESULTS: Lower group substance use was associated with higher recovery capital, stronger identification with non-using groups, and greater importance of non-using groups in the social network. Additionally, greater identification with and importance of non-using groups were associated with better environmental quality of life, whereas greater importance conferred on using groups was associated with reduced environmental quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: Support was found for the role of social identity processes in reported recovery capital and quality of life. Future research in larger, longitudinal samples is required to improve understanding of social identity processes during treatment and early recovery and its relationship to recovery stability.

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Social identity, social networks and recovery capital in emerging adulthood: A pilot study

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