A Qualitative Phenomenological Study Exploring Locus of Control in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder Admitted to a Tertiary Care Mental Health Facility in Western Maharashtra

Background: Locus of control (LOC) influences initiation, maintenance, recovery and relapse in alcohol use disorder (AUD). 4Aim: To explore lived experiences of LOC among patients with AUD admitted to a tertiary care mental health facility in Western Maharashtra. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was used. Purposive sampling recruited 11 adult male inpatients with AUD (ICD-10). Unstructured in-depth interviews (20-45 minutes) were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. 1NVivo (Version 12) supported data management. Trustworthiness was ensured using credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability strategies. 2,3Results: Four themes emerged from 16 inductive codes: (1) External Triggers to Initiation, (2) Internal Resolve for Recovery, (3) External Barriers to Cessation and (4) Hybrid LOC Dynamics in Relapse. Conclusion: LOC in AUD appeared fluid and phase-specific. LOC-focused nursing interventions may strengthen internal control and support sustained recovery.