Indian Perspectives on Treating Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACT

Although research on substance use disorders (SUDs) largely focuses on the developed world, treatment programs from the developing world seldom get international attention. Focusing on India, this study was designed (1) to describe India’s treatment programs, and (2) to report Indian perspectives on critical factors related to treating SUDs. An online survey instrument was created, based on mixed-methods approach with concurrent strategies, to collect data. Participants were India’s clinicians (N = 112). Indian treatment approach suggests that SUDs must be treated by a multidisciplinary treatment team with a comprehensive plan that must include systemically focused clinical interventions in patients’/clients’ relevant relational systems. Findings may have relevance to clinicians, researchers, and policy makers globally.

KEYWORDS:

• Addiction treatment
• clinical assessment
• critical factors
• India
• involving families
• substance use disorders

Notes

1. India’s clinicians still use the terms substance addiction and substance use disorders interchangeably. To preserve the integrity of their views, we have used those terms interchangeably as well.

2. In treatment circles in India, the terms use and abuse are commonly used.