NCJ Number
190961
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 27-45
Date Published
2002
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The findings of this exploratory and phenomenological study provide an understanding of the meanings of "living on the streets" for drug-dependent African-American women in a shelter for the homeless in the southeastern United States.
Abstract
Thirty-six interviews were conducted with drifting and impoverished chemically dependent women who were seeking help for their addictions. The women's narratives were subjected to qualitative analysis and revealed ways of life that began for them in childhood and continued into adulthood. Victimization, first suffered and later inflicted, was mediated by their chemical dependence and can be explained by the Maltreatment-Dependence Mediated Relationship Model. Physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, as well as prostitution, robbery, and child abuse and neglect were commonly experienced or imposed on others. Addiction counselors were instructed in ways to help women such as those involved in this study. Building a network of internal and external sources of strength is likely to be a helpful strategy for women to use in such circumstances, so they can develop more effective ways of living their lives. 1 figure and 35 references