COUNSELING ADDICTION IN RURAL ALASKA AGAINST THE ODDS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
14-1-2021 4:50 PM
End Date
14-1-2021 5:10 PM
Abstract
A qualitative, hermeneutic, phenomenological study was completed to gain insight into experiences of drug and alcohol (D&A) counselors in rural Alaska. The goal was to determine why counselors in rural Alaska work in their positions and continue to perform, despite existing research indicating challenges in the occupation and the location. Interviewing a homogeneous, purposively selected sample of D&A counselors working in rural Alaska provided rich experiential information answering the research question. The hermeneutic, phenomenological approach to information gathering and analyses of interview transcripts for common themes captured the lived experiences of the counselors and illuminated their perceptions of incentives supporting and encouraging their service. Counselors’ stories highlighted common themes known to the field (challenges, stigma) and themes previously unnamed but taken-for-granted (community/giving-back, prevention, personal/professional growth). The nation’s addiction problems are not decreasing, intervention by skilled professionals is needed and no qualitative research was found in existing literature describing why counselors persist. Results indicated that despite challenging deadlines, politics, stigma, and more, counselors verily enjoy their work, allowing them to give back to their communities and save lives. Counselors also appreciate personal and professional growth. Conclusions proposed suggestions for future research regarding recruitment and retention, such as personal experience with addiction, being an established community member and desiring opportunities for personal/professional growth. In addition, governmental and professional organizations should better support counselors in their essential work.
Keywords
drug and alcohol counselors, rural Alaska, persistence in occupation, community give-back, counselor personal growth
ORCID ID
orcid.org/0000-0003-4832-5253
COUNSELING ADDICTION IN RURAL ALASKA AGAINST THE ODDS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY
A qualitative, hermeneutic, phenomenological study was completed to gain insight into experiences of drug and alcohol (D&A) counselors in rural Alaska. The goal was to determine why counselors in rural Alaska work in their positions and continue to perform, despite existing research indicating challenges in the occupation and the location. Interviewing a homogeneous, purposively selected sample of D&A counselors working in rural Alaska provided rich experiential information answering the research question. The hermeneutic, phenomenological approach to information gathering and analyses of interview transcripts for common themes captured the lived experiences of the counselors and illuminated their perceptions of incentives supporting and encouraging their service. Counselors’ stories highlighted common themes known to the field (challenges, stigma) and themes previously unnamed but taken-for-granted (community/giving-back, prevention, personal/professional growth). The nation’s addiction problems are not decreasing, intervention by skilled professionals is needed and no qualitative research was found in existing literature describing why counselors persist. Results indicated that despite challenging deadlines, politics, stigma, and more, counselors verily enjoy their work, allowing them to give back to their communities and save lives. Counselors also appreciate personal and professional growth. Conclusions proposed suggestions for future research regarding recruitment and retention, such as personal experience with addiction, being an established community member and desiring opportunities for personal/professional growth. In addition, governmental and professional organizations should better support counselors in their essential work.
Comments
Paper is based on Dr. Comwell's dissertation research.