Sam Larsson

Empathy as a communication strategy in the pharmacy — a study based on cognitive and behavioural analysis

Objective — To evaluate an educational intervention that aimed to improve the level of empathy shown by pharmacy staff to their customers.

Experiences of long-term tranquillizer use: a psychodynamic perspective

The aim of the article is to analyse narrative descriptions and experiences of long-term tranquillizer use. The analysis is based on a Danish in-depth study of 50 informants with a self-diagnosed dependency on tranquillizers. The theoretical analysis is dependent on psychodynamic reasoning. Further, the psychodynamic perspective is integrated within a multidimensional model that considers biological, cognitive, identity, gender and social learning factors. The analysis reveals the possibility of achieving a detailed understanding of the dynamic processes involved in the development of long-term tranquillizer use. Important themes frequently mentioned in the clients descriptions are traumatic childhood experiences, identity problems, life crises in adulthood and difficulties in stopping taking psychotropic drugs. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]

Chapter 11. Narratives of Clients’ Experiences of Drug Use and Treatment of Substance Use-Related Dependency

The article focuses on narratives of clients’ experiences of using/misusing alcohol and drugs and includes comments on their therapeutic process during treatment for dependency on psychoactive drugs. It discusses the role of narratives that focus on clients’ experiences of understanding the use/misuse of psychoactive drugs, emphasizing the importance of the narratives. Narrative therapy for substance-use-related dependency is discussed. Insight into the treatment processes of dependency, based on narrative case illustrations, is also provided.

Chapter 1. Introduction: using narrative research methods for the analysis of use and misuse of alcohol and drugs.

Introduction : Using narrative research methods for the analysis of use and misuse of alcohol and drugs

Chapter 2. General Theoretical Perspectives of Narrative Analysis of Substance Use-Related Dependency

This chapter provides a short introduction to, and an overview for, using narrative analysis in the understanding of the use and misuse of alcohol and drugs. Important theoretical and methodological dimensions are discussed. Some tentative conclusions, limitations, and unresolved critical issues concerning the use of narrative research methods in the analysis of substance use-related dependency problems are also presented.

Chapter 3. A Multidimensional Model for Narrative Analysis of Substance Use-Related Dependency

This chapter examines the possibilities and limitations of using a narrative method as a framework within a multidimensional model for exploring and analyzing the use and misuse of alcohol and drugs. It is posited that a multidimensional model, based on narrative reasoning, can give a more detailed and specific understanding of substance users, who represent a heterogeneous population of people, and of substance use-related dependency problems. Such a model describes and analyses the drug-use related problems in a manner that provides holistic and important information and knowledge about the person by contextual and situation interaction processes which are involved in the use/misuse of alcohol and drugs. Tentative conclusions and unresolved critical issues are considered.

Chapter 4. A Self-theoretical Perspective on the Use–Misuse of Alcohol and Drugs Based on Qualitative and Narrative Data

This article discusses different self-theoretical perspectives of the self that are of importance in the analysis of the use and misuse of alcohol and psychoactive drugs. The self-theories considered here include cognitive, psychodynamic, transpersonal, and social constructivist perspectives. A multidimensional perspective focusing on the connection between identity structures and analyzing the use/misuse of alcohol and psychoactive drugs is presented. The article argues for a self-theoretical analysis based on narrative data in order to reach an in-depth understanding of the use and misuse of alcohol and psychoactive drugs.

Chapter 10. Perspectives on Treatment, Alliance and Narratives Concerning Substance Use-Related Dependency

This article considers different perspectives on the treatment of substance use-related dependency, focusing on the importance of a therapeutic relationship, working alliance, counseling, and the use of narrative methods. The article also discusses some unresolved critical issues concerning the possibilities and limitations of acquiring necessary knowledge about substance use-related dependency when using narrative research methods. The main conclusion is that the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is of crucial importance for a positive outcome of treatment and that narrative methods provide a detailed empirical database for analyses of substance use-related dependency.

Discussion about narrative methods as a strategy for investigating and understanding the use and misuse of alcohol and drugs

Preliminary and tentative conclusions concerning theoretical and methodological issues about narrative methods and their use as a research strategy for investigating and understanding the use and misuse of alcohol and drugs are presented. The treatment methods that are influenced by narrative strategies as well as this tools limitations are noted. The article focuses particularly on approaches based on, and influenced by, psychology, sociology and social work when conducting narrative research.

Epilogue: Discussion about narrative methods as a strategy for investigating and understanding the use and misuse alochol and drugs

Preliminary and tentative conclusions concerning theoretical and methodological issues about narrative methods and their use as a research strategy for investigating and understanding the use and misuse of alcohol and drugs are presented. The treatment methods that are influenced by narrative strategies as well as this tools limitations are noted. The article focuses particularly on approaches based on, and influenced by, psychology, sociology and social work when conducting narrative research.