The aim of this work was to gain understanding, using the self-transcendence theory, of the perspective of the alcoholic patient. This was a qualitative study using the grounded theory method. Eight semistructured interviews were conducted with alcohol-dependent individuals. Eleven categories emerged that allowed for understanding the process of becoming alcohol dependent to later seeking help and maintaining abstinence through the intervention program developed by Alcoholics Anonymous.
Keywords: Alcoholics Anonymous; disease behavior; grounded theory; self-transcendence theory.