An Exploration of Coping Strategies in People with a History of Substance Abuse

Date of Conferral

10-16-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Hedy Dexter

Abstract

The ongoing problem of substance abuse in the United States has negatively impacted those with a history of substance use disorder (SUD) and also resulted in negative consequences for their families, friends, and society in general. In addition to the addictive qualities associated with SUD, there are other negative consequences, such as financial hardship, social isolation, and mental and physical health issues. The topic of SUD has been studied from various vantage points for the past several decades; however, to further understand the dynamics of SUD, coping strategies, both positive and negative, from the lived experience of those with a history of SUD were explored in this study. Developing an understanding of users’ coping strategies can help determine if a user will continue to engage or abstain from substance use. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of substance abusers attempting to cope with their addiction. Guided by Khantzian’s self-medication hypothesis, semistructured, open-ended interviews were conducted with eight individuals actively participating in an SUD treatment program. Data were analyzed with the aid of NVivo to identify codes and themes extracted from participants’ responses. Findings indicated that those with a history of SUD found it more difficult to discern which coping strategies would benefit rather than harm them. Findings also indicated that participants benefitted from positive coping strategies acquired over time that aided in resisting substance use. These findings may effect positive social change by being used to expand therapeutic approaches with the potential to increase the self-awareness of those with a history of addiction and expedite SUD recovery.

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