Alcohol-related brain damage: narrative storylines and risk constructions

Keady, John, Clarke, Charlotte, Wilkinson, Heather, Gibb, Catherine, Williams, Linda and Luce, Anna (2009) Alcohol-related brain damage: narrative storylines and risk constructions. Health, Risk & Society, 11 (4). pp. 321-340. ISSN 1369-8575

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	risk, alcohol, narrative
Subjects:	A900 Others in Medicine and Dentistry B200 Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Depositing User:	EPrint Services
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2009 11:49
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 14:37
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/1108

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