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

Notley, Caitlin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0876-3304, 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 However, for some, being on a script made them feel withdrawn, lethargic, and unable to fully participate in mainstream society.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
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	06 Oct 2014 15:44
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2022 00:11
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/50450
DOI:	10.1080/08897077.2014.941085

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