Factors related to motivation and barriers influencing treatment and recovery process of methamphetamine use disorder through in-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews

ABSTRACT

Objective

Inpatients with substance use disorders often go unheard. Through qualitative interviews, this study lends voice to their views and beliefs about the factors that affect their recovery.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted from February 10 to 11, 2020 with 15 in- patients with methamphetamine use disorder residing at the Marikina Rehabilitation Center in the Philippines. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were thematically analyzed to determine the factors that promote and hinder methamphetamine use disorder treatment and recovery.

Results

We identified six barriers to recovery: homesickness, lack of family visitation and support, fear of treatment, financial stress, social stigma and criticism, and boredom. Four motivating factors that influenced treatment and recovery included the therapeutic community treatment program, familial relationships, and visitations, belief in God, and hope.

Conclusions

A treatment integration program that combines psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as strong familial support, is imperative for patients’ recovery from methamphetamine use disorder.

KEYWORDS:

• Methamphetamine use disorder
• barriers
• motivation
• treatments
• recovery

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the inpatients who voluntarily participated in this study. We also extend our thanks to our field researchers who helped us with data gathering at the rehabilitation facilities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.