What features of drug treatment programs help, or not, with access? a qualitative study of the perspectives of family members and community-based organization staff in Atlantic Canada

Original research
by
Mathias, Holly et al

Release Date

2024

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This paper explored the perspectives of family members/family of choice of people who use substances (PWUS) and community-based organization staff on what was helpful, or not, about drug treatment programs in Atlantic Canada in terms of supporting access to, and retention in, treatment.

Findings/Key points

Participants spoke about features of drug treatment programs in various places, and noted features that were perceived as helpful (e.g., quick access), as well as not helpful (e.g., wait times, programs located far from where PWUS live). Some participants provided their perceptions of how PWUS felt when seeking or accessing treatment. A number of participants reported taking various actions to help support access to treatment, including providing transportation to programs. A few participants also provided suggestions for change to help support access and retention such as better alignment of mental health and addiction systems.

Design/methods

Telephone interviews (n=31)

Keywords

Barriers and enablers