We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.
Exploring the Concepts of Abstinence and Recovery Through the Experiences of Long-Term Opiate Substitution Clients
Caitlin Notley , Annie Blyth , Vivienne Maskrey , Hayley Pinto , Richard Holland
Substance Abuse
Vol. 36, Iss. 2, 2015
This study aimed to explore the client experience of long term opiate substitution treatment (OST). 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 individualised recovery goals, spanning harm minimisation and abstinence oriented treatment approaches. Decisions about the length or components of treatment should be based on an understanding of the meaning of treatment and the consequent balance of risk and benefits for that individual.