Abstract
This qualitative study investigates the relationship between specific needs and substance use disorder (SUD) among formerly incarcerated individuals with histories of SUD. Drawing on Maslow's hierarchy of needs and criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who reflected on their needs before and during incarceration.
Results indicate that physiological needs were consistently unmet both before and during imprisonment, though reasons differed. Prior to incarceration, physiological deficiencies were attributed to homelessness or substance-induced exhaustion, whereas in prison, these deficits stemmed from inadequate institutional provisions. Safety needs also emerged as a recurring issue, with participants reporting exposure to violence both in their pre-incarceration lives and within the prison environment. Additionally, the need for belonging was paramount; participants described strained relationships with family and friends pre-incarceration, and within prison, they faced similar social disconnection from both inmates and staff.
Notably, before incarceration, many participants used substances to cope with unmet needs for safety, belonging, and self-esteem. However, these associations shifted in prison, where the opportunity for self-actualization became a prominent theme. Participants expressed a newfound motivation for abstinence and personal growth, driven by desires to improve their lives post-release. This study underscores the role of environmental and interpersonal factors in shaping the motivations and coping strategies of individuals with SUD, highlighting the transformative potential of addressing unmet needs in rehabilitation contexts.
Author Information
Hana Moravčíková, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
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