Women with Drinking Problems

Abstract

The research explored the life experiences of women who had histories of drinking problems, to illuminate new understandings about why women may develop alcohol problems, and how they may succeed in achieving sobriety.

A feminist approach and a qualitative, life history method was used to collect and analyse 13 in-depth, autobiographical accounts. The research participants comprised of a heterogeneous group of self-referred women volunteers, from a non-clinical population, who had personally identified having experienced drinking problems. Each participant's life story was taped over several sessions, and lasted approximately eight hours. Thematic analyses was used across fully transcribed life histories to identify the common themes which had contributed to, or exacerbated, alcohol misuse.

Significant common themes which emerged from the life histories included childhood sexual abuse, other childhood unhappiness, difficult or violent heterosexual relationships or marriage, lesbian sexuality, and depression. These themes revealed significant continuums of individual victimisation and abuse across life course, which were associated with the oppressive social and political gendered contexts of these women's lives. Life stories were also surveyed to identify influences during personal recovery, and two concluding themes were revealed concerning help-seeking behaviours associated with alcohol misuse, and the ways in which recoveries were achieved and sustained. Findings identified inadequate support or understanding about research participants' problem drinking from health care gatekeepers, helping professionals and intimate partners. The notion of individual self-reliance and sustained personal motivation to reach and maintain recovery emerged as pivotal among this group of women who eventually all achieved sobriety without professional help. These findings contrast with much traditional theory which has negatively viewed women's motivation and capacity for recovery from drinking problems. Additionally, the research revealed that participants regularly used alcohol as a strategy for personal survival and control in their lives.

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