Opioid Substance Abuse Among Occupational Therapy Clients

ABSTRACT

This study examined opioid substance abuse among clients of occupational therapists. A sample of 500 occupational therapists, representing five targeted clinical practice areas, was randomly selected from American Occupational Therapy Association membership. Of these, a total of 182 participants ultimately responded to postal surveys. Results found one third considered opioid substance abuse a problem at their facility, and over half reported having one or more clients known to be or suspected of abusing opioids. Moreover, one in five reported having a client exhibit symptoms of overdose. Recommendations for a concerted response by the profession of occupational therapy to this nationwide epidemic are presented.

KEYWORDS:

• Addiction
• opioids
• overdose
• substance abuse

Declaration of conflicting interests

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter, materials, or results discussed in this manuscript. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant support from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.