Identity is understood as a complex construct that reflects how people perceive themselves, including self-related beliefs, emotions, mechanisms of self-reflection, and the integration of these aspects into behaviour and social relationships (McAdams et al., 2021). As such, identity structure can either support recovery or act as a barrier (Gligorov & Cowman, 2025). For example, White et al. (2003) observed that individuals with an informational identity style, characterized by self-analysis and active problem-solving, tend to make greater progress and maintain longer periods of abstinence because they consciously rebuild their lives. In contrast, those with a diffuse-avoidant style, who postpone important decisions and ignore personal conflicts or identity issues, show poorer recovery outcomes and a higher risk of relapse.

At the initial self-help level, two dimensions of identity are particularly relevant for treatment success: self-concept/self-schema and self-efficacy. Individuals with addictions often possess a self-concept dominated by the “user” or “dependent” schema, while other schemas (e.g., self as professional, parent, friend) become significantly weakened (Corte, 2007). This identity configuration makes recovery more difficult. Treatment success therefore depends on reducing this dependency-based schema and developing healthier, non-addictive self-schemas that offer alternative sources of personal value. The influence of self-efficacy, the belief in one’s ability to control substance use, can be twofold. Self-efficacy is a central mechanism predicting alcohol and substance use outcomes (Magill et al., 2025). The more confident individuals are in their ability to implement change strategies, the greater their chances of success. However, low self-efficacy regarding control can also be beneficial. When someone recognizes they cannot control their consumption (e.g., cannot drink “just one glass”), they are more likely to accept the need for total abstinence (Fiorentine & Hillhouse, 2003). Thus, overcoming addiction involves a profound restructuring of how individuals perceive their abilities and identity, balancing confidence with the acceptance of personal limitations.

At the level of social help, social identity becomes central. Dingle et al. (2015) argue that people often become addicted through the adoption of a group identity (e.g., peer groups that use substances), and treatment requires a transition from a “user identity” to a “recovery identity.” Positive change occurs when individuals identify with groups that do not promote substance use (e.g., involvement in non-profit organizations), and this new identity becomes stronger than the influence of pro-use groups. Furthermore, social identity mapping (Beckwith et al., 2019) is a technique in which individuals create visual maps of their social groups, marking how important they are and whether members use substances. Those with fragmented networks or networks dominated by substance-using groups have a higher relapse risk. In contrast, increasing the number of healthy, non-using groups correlates with better mental health and higher abstinence rates.

The third level involves specialized intervention. During this process, therapists or counsellors can support individuals by teaching effective coping strategies, such as time planning, engaging in enjoyable activities, or self-control (Younas et al., 2025), as well as developing self-efficacy, recovery identity, and social identity through group therapy (Pooler et al., 2014).

The final self-help level is based on identifying with a set of spiritual beliefs. Addiction diminishes self-worth and damages identity integrity, while spirituality is perceived as a mechanism for repairing these negative effects (Snodgrass et al., 2024). Spiritual recovery aims to develop the self through three fundamental components: belonging to a community, which reduces isolation through connection with individuals who share similar experiences; service to others, through which individuals regain a sense of usefulness and self-esteem; and the personal search for meaning, an inner journey where individuals redefine their values and purpose (Egunjobi, 2020). Additionally, Witte et al. (2023) found that recovery identity is strongly linked to spiritual well-being. Individuals who actively embrace this identity tend to find more meaning and purpose in life. However, recovery identity does not appear to be associated with social quality of life or family functioning, suggesting that its primary impact is internal and spiritual.