Deficit models and divergent philosophies: Service providers’ perspectives on barriers and incentives to drug treatment

Abstract

Aims: To ascertain service providers’ views on barriers and incentives to illicit drug users accessing or remaining in treatment.

Methods: Interviews with service providers in Australia were conducted.

Results: Two main themes were explored. Service providers suggested that the perception of a person seeking treatment was strongly associated with the image of that person as deficient, defective or lacking, and that this could impede treatment. Service providers also suggested that differing treatment philosophies and their related treatment goals were at the core of many barriers to treatment. We argue that it is important to find a balance between a model of treatment which works and is responsive to clients’ needs while also avoiding the potential for feeding stigma of those who seek treatment for drug dependence.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that knowledge and understanding of treatment philosophies are important for people seeking treatment so that clients can find services that match their needs and treatment goals.

• Drug treatment
• service providers
• treatment philosophy
• deficit models