The experience of long-term opiate maintenance treatment and reported barriers to recovery: a qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Background/aim: To inform understanding of the experience of long-term opiate maintenance and identify barriers to recovery.

Methods: A qualitative systematic review.

Results: 14 studies in 17 papers, mainly from the USA (65%), met inclusion criteria, involving 1,088 participants. Studies focused on methadone prescribing. Participants reported stability; however, many disliked methadone. Barriers to full recovery were primarily 'inward focused'.

Conclusion: This is the first review of qualitative literature on long-term maintenance, finding that universal service improvements could be made to address reported barriers to recovery, including involving ex-users as positive role models, and increasing access to psychological support. Treatment policies combining harm minimisation and abstinence-orientated approaches may best support individualised recovery.