Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

stella ukaoma

Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Committee Chair

Satish Kedia

Committee Member

Angelia Sanders

Committee Member

Marian Levy

Committee Member

Yong Yang

Abstract

ABSTRACT The opioid epidemic has inflicted a terrible toll on communities and families across the United States for decades. Family members with loved ones who misuse opioids have an especially intimate view of the initiation and progression of addiction, as well as the factors that lead to recovery. Perspectives from this population are underrepresented in the literature and may provide unique and valuable insight. The present research draws from in-depth interviews with twenty-seven individuals whose loved ones (i.e., children, spouses, siblings, etc.) either currently or historically had misused opioids. This study explored family members’ experiences and perspectives on key topics in the struggle to contain the crisis, including the causal factors and responsible parties for the opioid epidemic, avenues for opioid misuse prevention, and the barriers and facilitators to treatment. To capture the complexity of factors associated with these subjects, analysis was framed around the social-ecological method. In the first paper, which examines perspectives on responsibility for the opioid crisis, participants broadly acknowledge the culpability of the pharmaceutical industry while also maintaining that the medical community held some responsibility. A few participants maintained the perspective that people who use opioids are solely responsible for their own actions, regardless of other factors. Perspectives on effective strategies for prevention were focused more on community and interpersonal factors including strong relationships and good communication skills within families, and honest educational efforts in diverse community venues, so that the public develops an accurate and non-stigmatized understanding of addiction. Finally, exploration into treatment access revealed not just the hard facts of geographic and financial barriers, but important points about personal motivation, family enablement, and appropriate modalities of treatment, which vary for each individual. Each of the three studies contribute valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and recovery advocates. Overall, this research illustrates the importance of including the voices and views of family members impacted by the opioid epidemic in the ongoing effort to end the crisis.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

PDF

Notes

Open access.

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