Latinos and Latinas in Communal Settings: A Grounded Theory of Recovery

• Main Authors: Joseph R. Ferrari, Bradley D. Olson, Josefina Alvarez, Leonard A. Jason, Margaret I. Davis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2009-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: Grounded Theory; Recovery homes; Addiction; Latino/Latina
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/6/4/1317/

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Latino/a residents of a mutual help residential recovery program (Oxford House) in order to elicit their experiences of the program’s therapeutic elements. A model of recovery emerged from the analysis including several themes supported by existing literature: personal motivation and readiness to change, mutual help, sober environment, social support, and accountability. Consistent with a broad conceptualization of recovery, outcomes included abstinence, new life skills, and increased self-esteem/sense of purpose. Most participants were the only Latino/a in their Houses; however, cultural differences did not emerge as salient issues. The study’s findings highlight potential therapeutic aspects of mutual-help communal recovery programs and suggest that English-speaking, bicultural Latinos/as have positive experiences and may benefit from participating in these programs.