Understanding the Role of Social Support and Identity in Recovering Substance Users

This study investigates the influence of social identity and support on abstinence and wellbeing for individuals in the period following treatment for substance use disorders. The mechanisms through which social group membership may aid recovery were assessed using the social identity model (S. A. Haslam, O’Brien, Jetten, Vormedal, & Penna, 2005). Participants were past residents of a Therapeutic Community in South East Queensland (averaging 7.68 months since leaving treatment). A total of 53 participants (50.94% female; age range 22-64) were assessed in terms of their social identity (as a “user”, “non-user” and “person in recovery”), group memberships, social support, wellbeing and recent substance use. Results indicate that the majority of participants (75.47%) reported an improvement in substance use compared to before treatment. Identification as a recovering individual was strongly correlated with non-user identification (r = .82), and both negatively correlated with user identification (r = -.32 and -.43, respectively). The number of groups, recovery identification and support for recovery were all significantly correlated with increased life satisfaction and increased abstinence from alcohol. Results of a serial mediation model showed that the relationship between the number of group memberships and the outcomes (dysphoric mood, life satisfaction or abstinence) was positively mediated by recovery group identity (β = -.27, .38 and .25, p < .05, respectively). Conversely, the second variable group support for recovery did not mediate this relationship. These findings demonstrate the importance of social identity as a person in recovery as well as supportive group memberships for individuals recovering from substance use disorders