The lived experience of navigating entry into residential treatment for alcohol use disorder while experiencing homelessness: A qualitative study

作者：Katrina Hayes-Macaluso, Marissa Coppola, David P. Serota, Hansel Tookes, Katrina Ciraldo, Tyler S. Bartholomew, Edward Suarez · 发表于：Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.josat.2025.209709 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Homelessness and Social Issues、Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes、Community Health and Development

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent among people experiencing homelessness with an estimated 29 %-63 % impacted by this disease. As the effects of alcohol further perpetuate cycles of homelessness, treatment of AUD among this population is an important area of research. Although treatment facilities and outpatient services exist, many unhoused individuals underutilize or lack engagement with these programs. To date, only a few studies have explored the lived experiences of individuals navigating pathways toward treatment for AUD from the streets. Therefore, a patient-centered understanding through the lens of individuals with lived experiences may help those embedded within addiction treatment networks better engage and care for people experiencing homelessness. METHODS: This study consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews with people experiencing homelessness being treated at a residential treatment facility for AUD (N = 19). Thematic analysis was used to understand their perspectives regarding the intricacies of navigating into a residential treatment facility for AUD from the streets. Interview transcripts were analyzed using Nvivo software, and an open codebook which guided the analysis. RESULTS: Frequently described barriers to AUD treatment initiation, navigation, and maintenance were compiled into themes such as, "alcohol as a method of escapism", "burden of navigation lies on the participant", and "gaps in knowledge and function of comm...