Taking on and shedding the “addict” identity : a narrative approach

Abstract

This study seeks to understand how Maldivian men fashion non-addict identities after successfully desisting from addiction careers where ‘addict’ identities had become solidified. This project emerges in response to the stigma around addiction in the Maldives. It suggests there is an urgent need to begin conversations about how important it is to relinquish the “addict” identity to exit addiction careers in a Maldivian context. The study aims to unearth these issues through people who have lived the “addict” label and have reached abstinence and are now doing good for the community. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four Maldivian men who had stopped using drugs for three years, and data was interpreted using narrative inquiry. Symbolic interactionism and Dewey’s three-dimensional model of experience served as a theoretical framework. In line with narrative inquiry, narrative analysis resulted in four interpretive stories. The data was also subjected to an analysis of narratives, identifying four main themes. Findings showed that the social stigma attached to addiction affected the way participants viewed themselves during the commitment phase, and societal reactions solidified their “addict” identity. Likewise, the role of others in their recovery and successful desistance was also found to be crucial. The importance of religion in identity formation and maintenance was also a significant finding. Limitations of research design, future research recommendations, and implications for policy and practice are provided.