METAPHORS AND CHEMICAL DEPENDENCE

Abstract

Metaphors are present in the discourse of chemical dependents who participate in self-help groups. In this study, the analysis of discourse of four members of one self-help group of chemical dependents was used to
identify different metaphors related to chemical dependence and the processes of relapse and recovering, as well as their implicit or explicit
relationship with participants’ folk theories of chemical dependence. Semi-structured interviews were taped and transcribed. The results showed seven metaphors: two about the relapse process, one about the recovering process, two about chemical dependence and two about the self-help group. Evidence was found about the congruence between these metaphors and the chemical dependence model emphasizing the chronic disease aspect, well in line with the tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous.