title: The road in and out of homelessness: perceptions of recovering substance abusers.
abstract: In this phenomenological study the authors explored the meaning of homelessness from the perspective of previously homeless substance abusers. The sample involved 8 adult males recruited from a substance abuse treatment program. Through the use of open-ended questioning, two major themes were identified: the road to homelessness and the road out of homelessness. The road to homelessness comprised an explanation for the participants' homelessness: painful background experiences, negative self-concept, ineffective coping skills, and a sense of hopelessness. The road out of homelessness described the recovery process and included turning points, experiences of caring relationships, and a new way of viewing the world. The findings offer a beginning understanding of the experience of homelessness and recovery, and have implications for intervention and future research for subpopulations of persons who are homeless.
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moneyham
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Connor
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003289:Convalescence / Q000523:psychology*; D004645:Empathy; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012649:Self Concept; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires