Exploring opioid use disorder, its impact, and treatment among individuals experiencing homelessness as part of a family

Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Avik ChatterjeeLindsay Tishberg

Abstract

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) causes significant morbidity and mortality among people experiencing homelessness. We aimed to explore the unique way in which OUD impacts individuals experiencing homelessness as part of a family. We conducted semi-structured interviews with adults experiencing OUD staying in Boston-area family shelters along with dependent children. We used Borkan's Immersion-Crystallization method to uncover themes from interview transcripts. We conducted 14 interviews. Eleven participants identified as female and three as male. Mean age was 35 (range 24-51) and median number of children was 2.5 (range 1-5). Emergent themes fell in three categories: 1) Initiation of OUD: Many patients were introduced to opioids through physician prescriptions, with recreational use coming first for some. Parents and partners also contributed to opioid use. 2) Impact of OUD: Overdose, homelessness, and unemployment were common impacts of OUD. Many patients described co-morbid chronic pain and mental illness. Psychosocial trauma, prominently due to loss of child custody, was common. 3) Treatment for OUD: Childcare, transportation to treatment at distant sites, and requirements that interfered with life responsibilities were barriers t...Continue Reading

Citations

Oct 23, 2019·Substance Abuse : Official Publication of the Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse·Avik ChatterjeeTravis P Baggett
Nov 1, 2020·Current Psychiatry Reports·Andrew S Huhn, Kelly E Dunn
Aug 10, 2020·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Noelle P WeickerSusan G Sherman
Aug 23, 2020·Journal of Addiction Medicine·Andrea K FinlayIngrid A Binswanger
Mar 27, 2021·Journal of Community Health·Colleen B MistlerRoman Shrestha
Apr 18, 2021·Drug and Alcohol Dependence·Ajay ManhapraRobert Rosenheck
May 1, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Parisa BozorgiDwayne E Porter
May 15, 2021·Drug and Alcohol Dependence·Matthew F McLaughlinAvik Chatterjee
Jun 4, 2021·Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment·Colleen B MistlerRoman Shrestha

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