"It's like a Brotherhood": Thematic analysis of veterans' identity processes in substance abuse recovery homes. 2021

Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

This exploratory study aimed to understand how veterans' social identity influenced their experiences living in Oxford Houses (OH)-the largest network of substance use recovery homes in the United States. We conducted three focus groups, with 20 veterans who were current or former OH residents. Thematic analysis revealed several ways in which participants' veteran identity influenced their experiences living in OH, including: (1) thriving through OH organizational similarities with the military, (2) relationships with other OH residents, and (3) and growth and reintegration. The themes were interpreted using the Social Identity Theory and the Social Identity Model of Identity Change perspectives. Social identity processes were found to play an influential role in veterans' experiences in their recovery homes and reintegration into civilian life. Findings highlight the importance of veterans developing a community within a culturally congruent setting to facilitate their recovery from substance use disorders and adjustment to life post-military service.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012933 Social Identification The process by which an aspect of self image is developed based on in-group preference or ethnocentrism and a perception of belonging to a social or cultural group. (From APA, Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms, 8th ed.) Group Identification,Identification, Social,Professional Identification,Professional Identity Formation,Social Identity,Formation, Professional Identity,Formations, Professional Identity,Group Identifications,Identification, Group,Identification, Professional,Identifications, Group,Identifications, Professional,Identifications, Social,Identities, Social,Identity Formation, Professional,Identity Formations, Professional,Identity, Social,Professional Identifications,Professional Identity Formations,Social Identifications,Social Identities
D014481 United States A country in NORTH AMERICA between CANADA and MEXICO.
D014728 Veterans Former members of the armed services. Veteran
D017144 Focus Groups A method of data collection and a QUALITATIVE RESEARCH tool in which a small group of individuals are brought together and allowed to interact in a discussion of their opinions about topics, issues, or questions. Focus Group,Group, Focus,Groups, Focus

Related Publications

Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
April 2005, Managed care (Langhorne, Pa.),
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
January 2011, Psychiatric rehabilitation journal,
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
January 1998, Journal of substance abuse treatment,
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
January 2016, Substance abuse,
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
December 2009, Journal of psychoactive drugs,
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
January 2006, Journal of prevention & intervention in the community,
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
September 2012, Journal of interpersonal violence,
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
January 2005, Women & health,
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
January 2013, Social work with groups,
Mayra Guerrero, and Elzbieta K Wiedbusch, and Mary G Abo, and Rebecca L Nguyen, and Arturo Soto-Nevarez, and Kalee Principato, and Leonard A Jason
January 2014, Mental health and substance use : dual diagnosis,
Copied contents to your clipboard!