Types of Identity Transformation in Drug-Using and Recovery Careers

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Abstract
The literature about types of identity transformation is relatively scant compared to that documenting the processes leading to identity change. Using an interactionist perspective, this study of currently sober drug addicts explores what types of transformations are experienced during “drug-using” and “recovery” careers. Intensive interviews were conducted during the Summer and Fall of 1990 with a purposive sample of drug addicts (n=30) active in 12-Step programs of Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) and Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Findings reveal a new type of identity transformation (i.e., temporary conversion) resulting from drug euphoria and also uncover other extant types of transformation (i.e., alteration and conversion) that were unexpected with this pool of respondents active in the N.A. and A.A. Identity Transformation Organizations. Implications for interactionist and drug addiction research are discussed.