Abstract / Description of output
To date, the voice and experience of people with alcohol-related brain damage has been silent in the literature. Using narrative research methodology and a focus on risk and quality of life, this paper outlines the analysis of interviews with six people with alcohol-related brain damage who were resident on a specialist care unit for the condition. Of the six participants, four were interviewed twice in line with the study protocol and separate interviews were conducted with a key worker on the unit, a social worker and a relative of one of the female participants. Analysis of the interviews revealed three dominant, narrative storylines: Five Minute Memory; Fractured Lives; and Believing in Recovery. Risk was constructed and experienced in a variety of ways under each of these narrative storylines, but each participant was particularly vulnerable to the assimilation of alcohol-related brain damage as a component and projection of self and identity. In addition, the process of ‘prompting’ emerged as a way that care staff constructed and discharged their rehabilitative function on the care unit and worked to minimise risk factors. A more co-ordinated, robust and transparent funding, policy, education and service structure for people with alcohol-related brain damage is called for.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 321-340 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Health, Risk & Society |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 22 Sept 2009 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- Risk
- risk construction
- alcohol
- narrative