Preparing our Future Workforce through Lived Experience: a day in the life of recovering alcoholics

Key themes

• Education
• Simulation
• Alcoholic Dependency
• Challenging Stigma

Academic involved in the project

• Dr Joelle Salje, Simulated Learning Nursing Lead, School of Health and Sport, Southampton Solent University.

Introduction and aims

The following case study presents an innovative simulation targeted for professionals that work with those with alcohol dependency, with an aim to enhance their understanding of alcohol dependence, recovery, and person-centred care. Through the lived experience of two recovering alcoholics, the students partook in an authentic Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. Using honest conversations, the simulation looked to reduce stigma, promote empathy, and increase confidence in caring for individuals affected by alcohol.

Speakers that delivered the AA session:

• Brian Hutson
• Kate Riddle

In this case, the simulation was delivered to both mental health and adult branch undergraduate student nurses.

Educational Rationale

The National Survey (2022) reported 48% of adults in the United Kingdom over 16 years of age drink at least one drink a week, 24% of whom drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, making this a significant health concern. The impact of  alcohol dependency on health and social care services are widespread, such as in hospitals, addiction services, social services, Judicial system, police, and many more, highlighting the need for training in multiple healthcare professionals. However, those with alcohol dependency often experience significant stigma and discrimination (Kilian et al., 2021).

Intended Learning Outcome

Explore the factors influencing the health experiences of recovering alcoholics to support making informed judgements and to provide unjudgmental care.

Details

Led by recovering alcoholics, the learning environment was designed to reflect the atmosphere and structure of AA meetings. This was achieved with scrolls of the 12 steps, the ‘big book’, which is considered the AA bible, and the scripts used in meetings. After the students read from the ‘big book’, the speakers told their stories and provided time for questions.

This format embraces experiential learning in which students are able to explore the realities of alcohol dependency, through their experiences. The learning experience is designed to encourage students to “walk alongside” individuals in recovery, developing a deeper appreciation of the challenges, strengths, and resilience associated with recovery.

Next steps

Going forwards, this educational initiative will be integrated into a wider range of programmes to increase reach. Formal evaluations will also be taken to assess its impact on attitudes, understanding, and preparedness to work with those affected by alcohol dependency.

References

• Health Survey England (2022) Health Survey for England, 2022. [Accessed 20^th July, 2026]. Available at: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2022-part-1/adult-drinking
• Kilian, C., Manthey, J., Carr, S., Hanschmidt, F., Rehm, J., Speerforck, S. and Schomerus, G., 2021. Stigmatization of people with alcohol use disorders: An updated systematic review of population studies. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 45(5), pp.899-911.

Contact information

• joelle.salje@solent.ac.uk