A Life Experience Study on the Recovery of Alcohol Dependent Homeless Individuals in Korea

Abstract

This phenomenological study examined the reasons why the participants became alcohol dependent and homeless, what kind of life they lived, and what triggered them to make efforts toward alcohol abstinence and exiting homelessness. Data were collected from one-on-one in-depth interviews with six individuals who recovered from alcohol and homelessness. The data analysis resulted in 98 semantic units, 13 revealed themes, and 4 essential themes of “Born with Bad luck,” “Desire for Protection and Understanding,” “World Still Worth Living in,” and “Gaining the Power to Live.” Based on these findings, the study suggests the need for family welfare policies to reinforce social safety nets, policies to attract people struggling with alcohol dependence and homelessness to the labor market, and integrated service support for these individuals. This study’s significance lies in its case studies of individuals who recovered from alcohol dependence and homelessness. Further research should detail the unique experiences of alcohol dependent homeless women, which can present further complexities due to child rearing responsibilities and heightened social stigma. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.