Since little research has examined the various roles that substance use plays during reentry from the perspective of those reentering the community, the current study explored reentry experiences of people who were recently released from prison, with a focus on their experiences with substance use during the reentry process.
Using thematic analysis, the study explored substance- use experiences based on 26 semi-structured interviews. Seven main subject themes emerged: recovery and sobriety, substance-use programs, relapse, substance- use exposure, triggers and other challenges, impact of incarceration on substance use, and reflections about substance use. Within each of these broad themes, additional subthemes emerged. Findings suggest complex histories of substance use spanning ecological contexts, including family, neighborhood, and corrections facilities, as well as provide support for the pervasive and persistent nature of substance use among previously incarcerated individuals. Implications for practice and policy are discussed, as well as potential future directions for research. (publisher abstract modified)