From Brokenness to Reconciliation--A Preliminary Study of Recovering Experiences of Three Fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Kun-Yu Shih, 施坤育
• Other Authors: Chang-Hsiung Tsai
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/5p38n2

碩士 === 南華大學 === 生死學系碩士班 === 103 === 　　This preliminary study aims to explore the lives of recovering alcoholics in the world by purposive sampling of fellows of Alcoholics Anonymous in Taiwan. Hermeneutical phenomenological approach of half-structured depth interviews and intensive participating field observation were conducted to collect the experience of addiction and recovery of recovering alcoholics. Three texts were further described and interpreted by view of transpersonal existential analysis to deepen understanding of their process of addiction, spiritual awakening and experience of recovery-in-the-world. 　　The study has revealed that alcoholism is a process illness. It's highly relapsing, holistic disease. Three stages of addiction are described : internal change, life-style change and life-style breakdown. Alcohol is just a symbol. The alcoholics are trapped by their addictive thinking and ego-centered false-perfectionism. Abstaining from alcohol is the beginning of their life-long recovery to rebuild self, families and connection. 　　Alcoholism is treatable. Recovery of alcoholics start from their ego-cide, a symbolic death and re-birth. The recovery of suffering alcoholics start from the admission of their powerlessness over alcohol. They reach out and take action to strengthen their motivation to quit drinking and change. Slip and relapse is a part of progress of recovery. Spiritually awakening alcoholics learn to cross the river of denial and accept their life as it is. Recovery-in-the-world is a dynamic, up-and-down and diversive process. 　　Alcoholism is social illness. The epidemic alcoholism reflect the individualistic and narcissistic characteristics of modern civilizations. Believer and non-believer, Christian and Zen-Buddhist fellows of AA are purposely sampled to participate in this study. We could understand the society we are living in by exploring the life-world of alcoholics. 　　This study is limited by researcher's capabilities. More intensive topics to be explored are recommended.