The master's thesis examines the process of recovery from codependent patterns from the perspective of members of the Al-Anon program. The aim of the study was to understand their experiences of living with an alcohol-addicted family member, the process of change following involvement in the program, and the significance of individual elements of Al-Anon in their recovery.
A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was employed, and the data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Ten adult Al-Anon members participated in the study, seven women and three men, aged between 31 and 86 years.
The analysis identified six main themes: growing up in a family affected by alcoholism, codependent patterns in adulthood, the path to Al-Anon and the turning point, elements of the program as support in recovery, change and personal growth, and participants' present understanding of themselves and recovery. The findings indicate that codependent patterns often develop during childhood and may manifest in adulthood as excessive focus on others, difficulties with boundaries, and neglect of one's own needs. Participants described recovery as a gradual and lifelong process involving a shift from controlling others towards self-care, boundary setting, greater self-acceptance, and a different understanding of their own experiences.
The study contributes to a better understanding of the subjective experience of codependency and recovery and highlights the importance of community, support, and other relational resources in the recovery process.
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