Former inpatients’ narratives of substance use four years after substance use disorder treatment: A qualitative follow-up study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the narratives of former substance use disorder (SUD) inpatients about substance use after their discharge from long-term SUD treatment in 2017. Method: We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 11 former inpatients of SUD treatment. The data were analysed using a qualitative, thematic analysis model. Findings: During the analysis, two main themes emerged pertaining to participant reflections on substance use – their experience of non-problematic substance use (that is, substance use without declining into pre-treatment levels of misuse behaviours) and problematic substance use (that is, substance use associated with destructive patterns). All participants except one had engaged in substance use after their discharge three to four years ago. The commonly used substance was alcohol, which also appeared to be the most common substance for which there was consensus among the informants regarding non-problematic use. Conclusions: Most of the participants continued to use substances in some way, and some reported that such use did not affect them negatively. Healthcare providers and therapists in SUD treatment should avoid defining a relapse or failed treatment outcome in concrete terms. What is perceived as an actual relapse or a failed treatment outcome is highly subjective. Furthermore, complete sobriety might not necessarily be the best or the only way to measure the SUD treatment stay. An improvement in the quality of life and well-being, even when core symptoms are still present, may be considered a successful treatment outcome.

New work on the brain and addiction

“…Parental separation was related more strongly to alcohol use among adolescents The authors emphasise that interventions and policies should address social, developmental, and psychological factors. Hystad and Wangensteen (2022) explored the narratives of former substance use disorder (SUD) inpatients after their discharge from longterm SUD treatment. Most of the participants continued to use substances in some way, and some reported that such use did not affect them negatively.…”

“…Hystad and Wangensteen (2022) explored the narratives of former substance use disorder (SUD) inpatients after their discharge from long-term SUD treatment. Most of the participants continued to use substances in some way, and some reported that such use did not affect them negatively.…”

From existing to living: Exploring the meaning of recovery and a sober life after a long duration of a substance use disorder

“…Sobriety may then counter such threats. However, former SUD patients may live a good life while continuing to use substances ( Hystad and Vangensteen, 2022 ), and previous findings ( Laudet, 2007 ) indicate that although sobriety may be a dichotomous foundation, it need not be inconsistent with recovery regarded as more continuous in nature. Indeed, recovery from SUD (or other disorders) may be understood to be a process, but also a vision, a philosophy or attitude, and a set of outcomes ( Silverstein and Bellack, 2008 ).…”

Trust and collaboration between patients and staff in SUD treatment: A qualitative study of patients’ reflections on inpatient SUD treatment four years after discharge

“…In SUD, compulsive use of substances continues despite severe negative consequences for mental and physical health, education and work, relationships with family and friends, economic security, and participation in society ( Duncan, 2020 ; WHO, 2015 ). For most people with SUD, substance use temporarily helps them feel better about and able to cope with, for example, trauma and adverse childhood experiences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, challenging emotions, family demands, loneliness, and dire living conditions ( Felitti & Anda, 2010 ; Gil-Rivas & McWhorter, 2013 ; Kassel et al, 2013 ; Topor et al, 2021 ). Frequent use of substances may lead to a worse life situation, with substances causing more problems than they solve.…”