"I Don't Know What Fun Is": Examining the Intersection of Social Capital, Social Networks, and Social Recovery.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to understand how people with problematic drug use access positive social capital. Social capital is defined as relations that provide valuable resources to individuals through participation in social networks. People with low socioeconomic status remain at a disadvantage for acquiring positive social capital, a component of recovery capital. The concept of social recovery emphasises the relational processes of recovery.


METHODS
In-depth life history data were collected from 29 individuals who used heroin, cocaine, crack, or methamphetamine for at least five years, have less than a high school education, and unstable employment and housing. Qualitative data were coded for social networks accessed throughout the life course, distinguished by bonding, bridging and linking social capital.


RESULTS
Social networks included drug treatment programs; non-drug-using family and friends; religious/spiritual groups; workplace networks, and social clubs/activities. Bonding and/or bridging social capital were acquired through treatment, family and friends, religious/spiritual groups, workplaces, and social clubs. Linking social capital was not acquired through any social networks available, and many barriers to accessing mainstream social networks were found.


CONCLUSIONS
This is a small study conducted in the US.


CONCLUSIONS
A greater focus on social recovery is needed to achieve sustained recovery for individuals lacking access to and engagement in mainstream social networks.


CONCLUSIONS
Social recovery is proposed as an analytical tool as well as for developing prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies.
Bentley University, Waltham MA USA.
Miriam
M
Boeri
Bentley University, Waltham MA USA.
Megan
M
Gardner
Bentley University, Waltham MA USA.
Erin
E
Gerken
Bentley University, Waltham MA USA.
Melissa
M
Ross
Bentley University, Waltham MA USA.
Jack
J
Wheeler
drug use; qualitative research; recovery capital; social capital; social networks; social recovery
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