The Lived Experience of Using Opiates Among Young Adults

Author

Catherine Mbewe, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

6-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Nursing

Advisor

Steven Baumann

Committee Members

Catherine Georges

Juan Battle

Subject Categories

Cognitive Psychology | Nursing | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | Psychology | Public Health

Keywords

NYC, Logotherapy, Drug Misuse, Addiction, Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to explore the lived experience of using opiates, as described by young adults aged 18 to 25 years. Over the last 2 decades, opioid use disorders (OUDs) and opiate overdose deaths have increased dramatically in the United States. What used to be a problem primarily contained to minority groups in poor inner-city areas is now increasingly common in all races, genders, ages, and classes. There has also been an alarming increase in opiate use—including fentanyl, both legal and illegal—among young adults. While much of the literature has been focused on the opiate use and those with OUDs, there is limited research on the lived experiences of opioid use. The results of this study add to the growing body of research in this population.

Recommended Citation

Mbewe, Catherine, "The Lived Experience of Using Opiates Among Young Adults" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5361