Common barriers and facilitators of addiction treatment among treatment-seeking population

Abstract

Background and Aims: In the process of treatment for substance use disorders, patients experience many barriers and facilitators related to treatment. This study aimed to ascertain the barriers and facilitators of addiction treatment in treatment-seeking population of patients with substance use disorders. Methods: A defined questionnaire was developed on the basis of qualitative work to assess the barriers and facilitators among adult patients with opioid and/or alcohol use disorders seeking care at a dedicated addiction treatment facility. Results: We recruited a total of 96 male patients. The mean age of the sample was 30.8 years. The most common barriers were feeling like taking substances when depressed, stressed, or angry; having difficulty while not having substances; and lack of willpower to quit the substances. The most common facilitators of treatment were quitting addiction for a better future (e.g., marriage and children); good response from the doctor; facing the harmful consequences of substance use; having effective medicine and treatment; substance use causing health deterioration; and the need to fulfill family responsibilities. Higher educational attainment and better socioeconomic status were associated with fewer barriers and facilitators of treatment. Conclusion: Some barriers and facilitators are endorsed more commonly by patients who seek services for addiction treatment. Efforts are required to minimize the barriers and utilize facilitators so that patients are able to engage in treatment more easily.

Keywords

• barriers
• facilitators
• questionnaires
• substance use disorders