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“It's like a Brotherhood”: Thematic analysis of veterans’ identity processes in substance abuse recovery homes
Author(s) -
Guerrero Mayra,
Wiedbusch Elzbieta K.,
Abo Mary G.,
Nguyen Rebecca L.,
SotoNevarez Arturo,
Principato Kalee,
Jason Leonard A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.22623
Subject(s) - thriving , thematic analysis , identity (music) , social identity theory , focus group , psychology , substance use , substance abuse , military service , gerontology , social psychology , sociology , medicine , clinical psychology , social group , qualitative research , psychiatry , political science , psychotherapist , social science , physics , anthropology , acoustics , law
This exploratory study aimed to understand how veterans’ social identity influenced their experiences living in Oxford Houses (OH)—the largest network of substance use recovery homes in the United States. We conducted three focus groups, with 20 veterans who were current or former OH residents. Thematic analysis revealed several ways in which participants’ veteran identity influenced their experiences living in OH, including: (1) thriving through OH organizational similarities with the military, (2) relationships with other OH residents, and (3) and growth and reintegration. The themes were interpreted using the Social Identity Theory and the Social Identity Model of Identity Change perspectives. Social identity processes were found to play an influential role in veterans’ experiences in their recovery homes and reintegration into civilian life. Findings highlight the importance of veterans developing a community within a culturally congruent setting to facilitate their recovery from substance use disorders and adjustment to life post‐military service.