Exploring the concepts of abstinence and recovery through the experiences of long term opiate substitution clients

Notley, Caitlin, Blyth, Annie, Maskrey, Vivienne, Pinto, Hayley and Holland, Richard (2015) Exploring the concepts of abstinence and recovery through the experiences of long term opiate substitution clients. Substance Abuse, 36 (2). pp. 232-239. ISSN 1547-0164

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Abstract

Background: This study aimed to explore the client experience of long-term opiate substitution treatment (OST). Methods: A qualitative grounded theory study set in a UK rural community drug treatment service. Results: Continuous OST enabled stability and a sense of “normality.” Participants expressed relief at moving away from previous chaotic lifestyles and freedom from the persistent fear of opiate withdrawal. However, for some, being on a script made them feel withdrawn, lethargic, and unable to fully participate in mainstream society. Intrapersonal barriers (motivation and fear) were perceived as key barriers to abstinence. Conclusions: Participants experienced long-term OST as a transition between illicit drug use and recovery. Recovery was seen as a process rather than a fixed goal, confirming that there is a need for services to negotiate individualized recovery goals, spanning harm minimization and abstinence-oriented treatment approaches.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	opiate substitution treatment,opiate addiction,opiate dependence,qualitative research
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	06 Oct 2014 15:44
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2025 05:14
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/50450
DOI:	10.1080/08897077.2014.941085

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