Kriaučiūnė, Ugnė

Introduction. Although support groups for adult children of alcoholics are widely prevalent, they receive little research attention. A review of existing studies has noted that participation in self-help groups by their members is associated with positive changes. Several researchers have highlighted the shortcomings of these groups, but the opinion is still not entirely clear. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of adult children of alcoholics in self-help groups. Methods. The participants were seven adult children of alcoholics (aged 28–52 years). The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. For the analysis of the qualitative research, an inductive thematic analysis was chosen according to Braun and Clarke (2006). Results. The results illustrate the psychological and emotional state of the participants before participating in the groups. Another theme revealed the participants integration into the community through the feeling of being part of a family. Participants highlighted moments of identification in the groups. Spirituality was significant for most of the participants in the ACoA meetings. ACoA is a spiritual programme, but according to the participants it is not necessary to be religious or spiritual to participate in the groups. Significant individual changes also emerged in the participants compared to their life before attending ACoA. The dynamics emerged through the shock and detachment from the groups, followed by the return and leaving the isolation. Participants in the study took away a variety of experiences from their participation in the ACoA groups, including difficulties. The narratives included member changes, relationships within the group that resulted in painful experiences or traumatic impact. Conclusions. The experiences of adult children of alcoholics in self-help groups were related to community, spirituality and the dynamics of the experience. In addition to these advantages, the disadvantages of the meetings also appeared.