A House Is Not a Home: A Qualitative Assessment of the Life Experiences of Alcoholic Homeless Women

• NCJ Number: 231474
• Journal: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: April-June 2010 Pages: 158-179
• Author(s): Bonnie Burlingham, M.P.H.; Michele Peake Andrasik, Ph.D.; Mary Larimer, Ph.D.; G. Alan Marlatt, Ph.D.; Clarence Spigner, DrPH
• Date Published: June 2010
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the factors involved in why women become alcoholics and homeless.

Abstract

An estimated 17 percent of the homeless population in the United States are women. In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with seven chronically homeless, alcoholic women selected from a related study, to gain deeper insights regarding their perceptions of housing. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. To ensure reliability, several investigators worked to create categories from which patterns of themes emerged. A consistent pattern of having experienced inadequate home life from an early age emerged. Policies of reestablishing the traditional home for homeless and alcoholic women must consider the life experiences of the women along with their immediate need for shelter. Table, figures, and references (Published Abstract)