Table 1 Research questions, themes, and example quotes
Research Question 1: What types of stigma experiences are reported among people in treatment for substance use problems after release from incarceration? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Major Theme | Example Codes | Quote Examples | |
Negative perceptions from others | Labeled negatively (e.g., “bad apple”), people expect they will never change | “It’s like something I definitely don’t share with people…I think you’re definitely viewed differently so I try like not to let that be known to anybody.” | |
Lack of access to basic needs | Rejected by employers, problems obtaining housing | “You know it was so hard for me to get a job, and just because of my record, they will not hire me. I got so many interviews and just because of my record they say no.” | |
Strained interpersonal relationships | Loss of family trust, rejection by family members | “My kids were embarrassed and humiliated. I did all the right things, and now I’m incarcerated, and there’s a stigma.” | |
Research Question 2: To what extent does substance use treatment play a role in reducing stigma? | |||
Treatment engagement changes others’ perceptions | Treatment rebuilt family trust, improved parole officer perceptions | “You know my attitude has been better and people knowing that I’m doing it (treatment), particularly family, it’s been helpful- just knowing that I’m getting help.” | |
Treatment engagement reduces self-stigma | Treatment increased confidence, treatment reduced shame | “It (treatment) lets me know that I’m somebody, somebody great, and that it’s helped me look at a different outlook, don’t let my past dictate my present and future.” | |
Research Question 3: Which aspects of substance use treatment are reported to reduce stigma? | |||
Clinic environment | Respect from staff, friendly atmosphere | “They (staff/clinicians) look at us like we’re humans. They treat us like we’re humans. And when I come here, I don’t feel like an ex-con.” | |
Connection with peers/people with lived experience | Easy to relate, nonjudgmental | “Everybody here was really great…I never felt like anybody here like discriminated against me or judged me… and even just being able to talk to other people… that were incarcerated or like been around it, it’s like somebody else who knows like what it’s like.” | |
Treatment provider factors | Able to trust provider, provider was encouraging | “He’s (counselor) the best…and even though he didn’t go through the same things in life that I went through or done, he listened. And he didn’t judge. And that’s big for me.” | |