SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND THE OPIOID USE RECOVERY OF BLACK INDIVIDUALS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Substance use has a complex and multifaceted history. While substance use itself is not necessarily problematic and does not always lead to negative outcomes, for individuals with substance use disorder, the impact can be significant. Substance use disorder can affect various aspects of life, including physical and mental health, relationships, community involvement, and one’s relationship with society. Treatment is crucial in helping individuals achieve their personal recovery goals related to substance use, making effective treatment options essential. However, recovery is often a prolonged and difficult journey, and many individuals discontinue treatment before reaching their desired outcomes. One key factor that may influence treatment completion is a sense of community, defined as a feeling of belonging, significance, and acceptance within a group. Research has shown that sense of community is an important motivator for individuals to continue treatment. Despite this, research is limited on how sense of community influences recovery, particularly from the perspective of Black individuals, aged 18-70, who are living with opioid use disorder. The goal of this study is to explore how sense of community, both within treatment settings and in the broader community, shapes the recovery process for this demographic. Fifteen participants from substance use treatment centers in Baltimore and Rockville, MD, were interviewed at three intervals over six months to track their experiences of community at different stages of recovery. A phenomenological approach was employed to analyze the interviews. The findings suggest that sense of community plays a vital role in the recovery journey of Black individuals with OUD. However, the impact of community on recovery is not uniform among all participants. Several key factors, including the individual’s definition of recovery, motivations, past recovery experiences, and environmental influences, shape how they interact with and benefit from various communities. This research not only contributes to the existing literature on substance use recovery but also emphasizes the need for further exploration into how sense of community can be intentionally incorporated into treatment programs.