The impact of describing someone as being in recovery from alcohol problems on the general public’s beliefs about their life, use of treatment, and drinking status

Abstract

Purpose: The general public’s attitudes toward former heavy drinkers can impact on the wellbeing of these individuals. The current study sought to determine if describing a former heavy drinker as ‘in recovery,’ and varying the amount they drank, impacts the general public’s perceptions of how the person is functioning (both personally and as a member of society), their need for treatment, and the possibility of a moderate drinking recovery. Materials and methods: An online panel survey (n = 4450; adults from multiple countries) asked participants to read a brief vignette describing a former heavy drinker (i.e. John). Participants were randomized to receive a vignette in which John was described as ‘in recovery’ (vs. no mention of recovery) and as having consumed heavy (vs. very heavy) amounts of alcohol prior to seeking help. Participants were then asked to rate John on how he is functioning, and to also rate the possibility of his recovery with or without treatment and as abstinent or a current moderate drinker. Results and Conclusions: Participants who read the vignette in which John was described as being in recovery rated him as being more likely to be functioning well compared to those where no mention of ‘recovery’ was made. However, this manipulation did not impact ratings regarding the likelihood of untreated and moderate drinking recoveries. Varying the amount of drinking described did not impact ratings of how John was functioning but very heavy (compared to heavy) drinking reduced ratings of the likelihood of untreated and moderate drinking recoveries.