Occupational Rehabilitation of Opiate Users on Maintenance Treatment in India: A Microcredit-Based Approach

Abstract

Occupational functioning is an important parameter of substance use treatment outcome. The rehabilitation needs of the patients undergoing recovery are unique and require a tailor‐ made approach. This article introduces an innovative approach to addressing the occupational rehabilitation needs of patients undergoing maintenance treatment in India, a country where there are no social security provisions for the underprivileged, and where there is a lack of employment opportunities for individuals with special needs, such as drug users in recovery. This article describes the implementation of a microcredit-based, low‐ cost vocational rehabilitation model for 55 male patients receiving agonist (buprenorphine) maintenance treatment. The results have been encouraging, with a promise of replicability.

Keywords:

• buprenorphine maintenance
• employment
• India
• microcredit
• opioid users
• social services
• vocational rehabilitation

The authors wish to acknowledge Sanjeev Kakker, National Program Coordinator of The Art of Living Drug Use Treatment Program, and Dr. Nand Kumar, Mental Health Foundation in India, for financial support and occupational facilitation to the patients.