Patients’ experiences of continued treatment with extended-release naltrexone: a Norwegian qualitative study

Original research
par
Marciuch, Anne et al

Date de publication

2022

Géographie

Norway

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

It is unclear how patients experience and adjust to losing the possibility of achieving an opioid effect. This qualitative study is the first to explore how people with opioid dependence experience extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) treatment, focusing on the process of treatment over time.

Constatations/points à retenir

Participants described that XR-NTX treatment had many advantages. However they still faced multiple challenges, some of which they were not prepared for. Having to find a new foothold and adapt to no longer gaining an effect from opioids due to the antagonist medication was challenging. This was especially true for those struggling emotionally and transitioning into the harmful use of non-opioid substances. Additional support was considered crucial. Even so, the treatment led to an opportunity to participate in society and reclaim identity. Participants had strong goals for the future and described that XR-NTX enabled a more meaningful life. Expectations of a better life could however turn into broken hopes. Although participants were largely optimistic about the future, thinking about the end of treatment could cause apprehension.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

Purposive sample, n=19

Mots clés

Substitution/OAT
Transitions in care/treatment
About PWUD