Pathways to Successful Community Reentry and Drug Use Recovery Among Previously Incarcerated Women in Taiwan

Abstract

Objective

This study seeks to understand how twelve Taiwanese women that were incarcerated for illegal drug use were able to successfully reenter their home communities without relapsing. The aim of the study is to enhance our knowledge of how the Chinese culture impacts the recovery process for women coming out of the criminal justice system.

Methodology

In-depth interviews were conducted with twelve previously incarcerated women referred by workers from six municipal drug prevention centers in Taiwan. A thematic coding approach was used to identify main themes utilizing a “multi-level reentry” framework and a “personal recovery perspective.”

Findings

Because of their overwhelming fear of being discriminated against by the community, participants were reticent in seeking formal help. However, they achieved abstinence by tapping into personal strengths and use of personal networks to find stable jobs. Instrumental to their success was their ability and self-drive in developing new drug-free social circles and pursuing a sense of accomplishment in life.

Conclusions

Successful community reentry and drug use recovery for previously incarcerated women with a Chinese cultural background can happen if they can create a “safe and clean enclave” that permits them to use their personal and social resources without fear of discrimination. Service providers should take the influence of culture into consideration when designing services programs for this population.

Keywords:

• Community reentry
• drug use
• drug use recovery
• previously incarcerated women

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The authors received no specific funding for this study. The authors have declared no conflict of interests.