A phenomenological study on the lived experiences of Filipino gay men recovering from substance use disorder

• Main Authors: Chua, Sherleen Mazel K., Escueta, Christine Joyce C., Gervacio, Mary Alyssa Joy C., Mercado, Claremont
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Gays > Substance use; Substance abuse > Philippines; Gays > Philippines > Substance use; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/7826
• Institution: De La Salle University

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a prevalent mental health condition which puts homosexual at great risk. Despite recent developments with regards to SUD treatment, it is still common for afflicted individuals to undergo relapse. Furthermore, there are variations in extant literature with regards to the factors affecting the recovery process of populations from different sexual orientations. As such, a phenomenological approach was used to understand and analyze the lived experiences of Filipino gay men in SUD recovery. Eleven main themes were gleaned from the analysis: factors contributing to SUD , personal decision , desire to recover , social support , self-acceptance , faith , confidentiality of experience , negative implications of social relationships , greater overall awareness , positive experiences in recovery , and need to re-establish. These themes emphasize that recovery involves consistent self-acceptance and self-determination amidst the struggles Filipino gay men face. Moreover, recovery is a shared process involving the individual's family and peers. Lastly, a holistic treatment approach is necessary to pursue and sustain stable recovery.