Recovery capital in the context of homelessness, high levels of alcohol consumption, and adverse significant life events

Abstract

Homelessness and heavy alcohol consumption are increasing global public health concerns. Homelessness is associated with poorer health outcomes, shorter life expectancy, and health risk behaviours. High levels of alcohol consumption intersect with the cause and effect of homelessness making this an important consideration for research. This is explored through a theoretical lens of recovery capital, referring to the resources required to initiate and maintain recovery, and is applied to both heavy alcohol consumption and homelessness. Life history calendars were utilised alongside semi-structured interviews to explore the impact that adverse life events had on alcohol consumption and living situations with 12 participants in contact with homelessness services in North-West England. The findings consider how social, health, and structural-related adverse life events were both a cause and effect of homelessness and increasing consumption of alcohol, which were further exacerbated by a lack of recovery capital. The authors argue for further consideration relating to the intersection of homelessness and high levels of alcohol consumption in relation to recovery capital. The findings have implications for policy and practice by demonstrating the need for relevant services to help individuals develop and maintain resources that will sustain recovery capital.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• homelessness
• recovery capital
• life history calendars

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their constructive feedback, Collette Venturas and Andrew Bradbury for their assistance with the data collection and Pat Ross for proof reading the manuscript. Special thanks go to all the participants who took part in this study and the services that assisted with recruitment.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Notes

1 UK Chief Medical Officers low risk drinking guidelines for men and women: no more than 14 units of alcohol a week spread over three or more days.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by Alcohol Research UK (small grant).