Oldal 59 [59]
4.
USING INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL
ANALYSIS TO ASSESS IDENTITY FORMATION AMONG
USERS OF SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS (STUDY 3)
4.1. INTRODUCTION
In recent years, new psychoactive substances, especially synthetic cannabi¬
noids (SCs) have become increasingly popular among drug users. This means
a particular challenge for treatment services and researchers as well (Bonar
et al., 2014; Castaneto et al., 2014; Corazza et al., 2013; Fattore, 2016). Ac¬
cording to clinical case reports, the cosumption of SCs may lead to unpredict¬
able and severe intoxication (Castaneto et al., 2014), withdrawal symptoms
(Nacca et al., 2013), temporal or persistent psychosis (Every-Palmer, 2011;
Van Der Veer & Friday, 2011) and psychopathological symptoms (Miller et
al., 2010). Users in surveys describe experiencing negative and unpredictable
effects and the potential of being addicted (Vandrey et al., 2012; A. R. Win¬
stock & Barratt, 2013). Other studies among SC users describe an absence of
positive experiences related to intense and unpredictable effects (Arfken et
al., 2014) and a rapid change of experiences from positive to negative (Bilgrei,
2016). Participants in a study by Van Hout and Hearne (2016) that assessed
the experience of SC dependence and withdrawal reported changed effects
over time and increased tolerance. The rapid development of craving and
acute physical withdrawal symptoms were mentioned, and symptoms were
resolved by resumed smoking of SCs.
Identity work, more specifically the perception and transformation of the
addicted self are important processes during recovery from psychoactive sub¬
stance addiction (Larkin & Griffiths, 2002). A key to transformation of the
self is the realization of the addict that the so-called ,,damaged self” has to be
restored by reawakening the old identity or establishing a new one (Biernacki,
1986). The addict transforms his or her ,,spoiled identity” (as described by
Goffman (1963)), with the aim of constructing the ,,non-addict identity”, and
the identity of recovery (J. McIntosh & McKeganey, 2001).
Narrative psychological studies describe , turning points” as essential steps
of identity change. Turning points are usually accompanied by some negative
events which serve to stimulate or trigger the decision to give up drugs (Han¬
ninen & Koski-Jannes, 1999; Koski-Jannes, 1998; J. McIntosh & McKeganey,
2001; Jozsef Racz et al., 2015). These turning points serve as incentives for the