Transportation Barriers to Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Programs: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This study identified transportation barriers impacting outpatient substance use treatment, while seeking to understand how specific populations are differentially impacted by transportation barriers, and to identify approaches that have been used to minimize barriers.

Method

A scoping review of the existing academic literature was conducted using the Arksey & O’Malley framework.

Results

A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Specific transportation barriers identified included a lack of public transportation, not having a driver’s license, long travel distance, and high transit costs. Mothers in need of substance use treatment services faced unique transportation challenges. Overall studies indicate that offering transportation assistance increases treatment engagement and continuation, but that some types of assistance are more impactful than others.

Discussion and Conclusion

Transportation was a frequent barrier to outpatient substance use treatment. Recommendations for improving treatment initiation and engagement are presented, along with suggestions for future research in this area.

KEYWORDS:

• Substance use disorders (SUDs)
• addiction
• treatment
• accessibility
• transportation
• outpatient

Disclosure statement

The authors have no known conflicts of interest to report.

Additional information

Funding

Mr Harwerth received the National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC) UTA-based student fellowship to support this work.