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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 cannabinoids (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). According to clinical case reports, the cosumption of SCs may lead to unpredictable 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. Winstock & 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 substance 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 (Hanninen & Koski-Jannes, 1999; Koski-Jannes, 1998; J. McIntosh & McKeganey, 2001; Jozsef Racz et al., 2015). These turning points serve as incentives for the
