Keywords
Alcoholism, Homelessness, Alcoholics Anonymous
Abstract
This is an exploratory, qualitative study of homeless, recovering alcoholics and the problems they encounter maintaining sobriety. Using semi-structured interviews, I analyze the experiences of ten men in their forties, who are in a recovery program designed for homeless men. I ask them how they stay sober without a place to live. Three kinds of problems are inferred from their narrative histories. First, the men have difficulty identifying as alcoholics. They have trouble fully integrating into the AA program. Second, the men struggle to form relationships with others, especially with a sponsor. Third, the process of "working the steps" is adapted complexly, more than in a normal twelve-step setting. The findings indicate that homeless men face special barriers to achieving and maintaining sobriety. I conclude by discussing the larger implications for sobriety, homelessness and social change within this community.
Notes
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Graduation Date
2008
Advisor
Wright, James
Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
Sociology
Degree Program
Applied Sociology
Format
application/pdf
Identifier
CFE0002226
URL
http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0002226
Language
English
Release Date
September 2008
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
STARS Citation
Rayburn, Rachel, "We Are Not Responsible For Our Addictions, But We Are Responsible For Our Recovery": A Qualitative Exploratory Study Of The Li" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3445.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/3445