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Purpose Dependent alcohol use is a severe addictive disorder with significant enduring consequences for health and social functioning. This study aims to inductively explore the process of identity change for alcohol dependent people progressing through a “pre-habilitation” intervention, alcohol detoxification and post-detoxification recovery support. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative study as a part of a process evaluation situated within a UK feasibility trial of a group-based intervention in preparation for structured alcohol detoxification. Semi-structured qualitative interviews (face-to-face or telephone) collected self-reported data on experiences of treatment provision as part of the feasibility trial. Thematic analysis of transcripts and iterative categorisation of identity-related themes and concepts was conducted with verification of analysis undertaken by a second coder. Findings Identity change was revealed in participant narratives around the meta themes of external (social-identity) and internal (self-identity) concepts. External influences impacting social identity were key, having influenced initiation into alcohol use, influencing acceptance of the stigmatised “alcoholic” label and then being central to the treatment journey. Internal influences on self-identity also impacted on the process of identity change. In recovery, there was hope in discovering a new “normal” identity or rediscovering normality. Originality/value Analysis demonstrates that moving from regular alcohol use to problematic use is a journey of identity change that is influenced at the macro (cultural), meso (group) and micro (relational) social levels. Throughout the treatment journey, social influences in gaining a new non-drinker identity are key. Findings suggest a need for long-term support through treatment and community-based groups specifically to foster positive identity change that may not have been addressed previously.

Background Individuals who are ‘moderately’ or ‘severely’ dependent consume alcohol at levels that are likely to have a severe impact on their own health and mortality, the health and behaviours of others (family members) and to have economic and social implications. Treatment guidelines suggest that treatment needs to be planned with medically assisted withdrawal (also referred to as detoxification), and aftercare support but outcomes are poor with low proportions engaging in after care and high relapse rates. An approach of structured preparation before alcohol detoxification (SPADe) puts an emphasis on introducing lifestyle changes, development of coping strategies for cravings, stress and emotions as well as introducing changes to the immediate family and social environment in advance of alcohol cessation. Such a pre-habilitation paradigm compliments the established treatment approach. The key research question was: can we design a large scale, randomised controlled trial (RCT) that will answer whether such an approach is more effective than usual care in helping individuals to maintain longer periods of alcohol abstinence? Methods This is a pragmatic, parallel, two-arm, feasibility RCT comparing SPADe and usual care against usual care only in maintaining alcohol abstinence in adults with alcohol dependence receiving care in two community addiction services in London. Feasibility outcomes, exploration of primary and secondary clinical outcomes and health economic outcomes are analysed. The trial follows the guidelines of phase 2 of the Medical Research Council (MRC) for complex interventions. Results We were able to recruit 48/50 participants during a period of 9 months. Retention in the trial for the whole period of the 12 months was 75%. Treatment compliance was overall 44%. Data completion for the primary outcome was 65%, 50% and 63% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. The intervention group had more days abstinent in the previous 90 days at the 12 months (n = 54.5) versus control (n = 41.5). Conclusions The results of this feasibility trial indicate that with the appropriate modifications, a full multicentred trial would be possible to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a pre-habilitation approach such as the SPADe group intervention in addition to usual care against usual care only. Trial registration Name of registry: ISRCTN; Trial Registration Number: 14621127; Date of Registration: 22/02/2017.

BackgroundIndividuals who are ‘moderately’ or ‘severely’ dependent consume alcohol at levels that are likely to have a severe impact on their own health and mortality, the health and behaviours of others (family members), and to have economic and social implications. Treatment guidelines suggest that treatment needs to be planned with medically assisted withdrawal (also referred to as detoxification), and aftercare support. Treatment outcomes are poor with low proportions engaging in after care and high relapse rates. An approach of structured preparation before alcohol detoxification (SPADe) put emphasis on introducing lifestyle changes, development of coping strategies for cravings, stress and emotions as well as introducing changes to the immediate family and social environment in advance of alcohol cessation. Such a pre-habilitation paradigm compliments the established treatment approach. The key research question was: can we design a large scale, randomised controlled trial (RCT) that will answer whether such an approach is more effective than usual care in helping individuals to maintain longer periods of alcohol abstinence?MethodsThis is a pragmatic, parallel, two-arm, feasibility RCT comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of SPADe and usual care against usual care only in maintaining alcohol abstinence in adults with alcohol dependence receiving care in two community services in London. The trial follows the guidelines of phase 2 of the Medical Research Council (MRC) for complex interventions. ResultsWe were able to recruit 48/50 participants during a period of 9 months. Retention in the trial was 75%. Treatment compliance was overall 44%. Data completion for the primary outcome was 65%, 50% and 63% at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. The intervention group had more days abstinent in the previous 90 days at the 12 months (n=54.5) versus control (n=41.5). DiscussionThe results of this feasibility trial indicate that with the appropriate modifications, a full multi centred trial would be possible to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a pre- habilitation approach such as the SPADe group intervention in addition to usual care against usual care only.Trial RegistrationName of registry: ISRCTN; Trial Registration Number: 14621127; Date of Registration: 22/02/2017; URL of trial registry record: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14621127