Jul 2026· Foundation University Journal of Psychology· 0 citations
TL;DR
Key challenges identified included the absence of integrated treatment for comorbid mental health conditions, frequent relapses, lack of culturally adaptive interventions, limited innovation in treatment approaches, minimal family involvement, and absence of individualized treatment planning.
Abstract
Background. The persistent high rate of relapse and widespread prevalence of substance use disorders demands the urgent need to understand the challenges faced by addiction professionals in treating this complex population.
Method. This qualitative study explored the experiences of seven mental health professionals (mean age: 38.7 years; average clinical experience: 7 years and 8 months), all with postgraduate qualifications (Master’s to PhD), working in the field of rehabilitation centers for substance use disorders. Using a semi-structured interview guide, in-depth interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed using the guidelines of (Braun & Clarke, 2022).
Results. Key challenges identified included: the absence of integrated treatment for comorbid mental health conditions, frequent relapses, lack of culturally adaptive interventions, limited innovation in treatment approaches, minimal family involvement, absence of individualized treatment planning, insufficient focus on relapse prevention and social reintegration, and lack of evidence-based models. Additionally, professionals reported a general sense of dissatisfaction among families and difficulty in monitoring long-term recovery outcomes.
Conclusion. These findings emphasize the pressing need for systemic reform, culturally responsive care, and evidence-based, holistic models to improve treatment effectiveness and long-term recovery in the population suffering from substance use disorder.
INTRODUCTION
Women with substance use disorders (SUD) face distinct gender-based challenges in accessing and engaging with treatment, including stigma, caregiving responsibilities and inadequate institutional support. Despite increasing rates of substance use among women, their treatment needs remain under-addressed in both clinical practice and research.
AIM
This study explored the lived experiences of women with SUD regarding their motivations and barriers to seeking and maintaining treatment in a psychiatric inpatient setting in Türkiye.
METHOD
A descriptive phenomenological approach was used. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 women diagnosed with SUD who had completed detoxification and were receiving inpatient care. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's method, supported by MAXQDA 24.0.
RESULTS
As a result of the research, two main themes emerged: 'Motivations and Barriers'. Also, four sub-themes: (1) Motivation to initiate treatment, (2) Motivation to maintain treatment, (3) Barriers to initiating treatment and (4) Barriers to maintaining treatment, and 17 codes were determined.
DISCUSSION
Motivations and barriers to treatment among women with SUD reflect an interplay of psychological, social and structural factors. Addressing these multidimensional needs is essential for sustained recovery.
E. Albal, Gizem Şahin Bayındır, Tuba Çömez İkican et al.· Journal of Psychiatric and M...· 0 citations
In the context of public mental healthcare delivery in India, in contrast to the often highlighted challenges related to the supply side, the demand-side challenges (DSC) are rarely examined systematically.
To assess the DSC in patients with psychiatric disorders and their caregivers in a rural South Indian community.
This study was conducted as part of a larger implementation research in which all adults in a predefined catchment area were screened for mental disorders, followed by confirmation of diagnosis by mental health professionals. The patients were counseled about (a) the need to start/resume/continue treatment and (b) the availability of services at the nearest health facility. DSC were evaluated by a targeted question to the patient/family members on reasons for not accessing/continuing treatment.
Among the 268 confirmed treatment-naïve patients at baseline, only 6 (0.02%) could be convinced to contact a treatment facility within the next 8 weeks. Regarding DSCs, for all disorders put together, factors related to the illnesses themselves (aggression, hostility, intoxication with substances, absence of insight, and, in instances specific to substance use, lack of motivation to stop its use were present in almost all (98.7%) patients. Lack of perceived dysfunction/disability (42.3%) and poor awareness (24.9%) formed the other two common factors. Disorder-wise breakup showed that poor awareness was predominant in Common Mental Disorders (CMDs; 60%). Illness-related factors predominated in Severe Mental Disorders (SMDs; 66.6%) and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs; 98.7%). Lack of perceived dysfunction mattered next for SUDs (42.3%), followed by poor awareness (24.9%). For SMDs, family support-related factors (47.9%) ranked second, followed by poor awareness (25%).
DSCs significantly contribute to the treatment gap. Merely making the treatment available and accessible will not be sufficient for people to accept it. Aggressive and sustained public health measures/campaigns need to be incorporated to effectively tackle DSCs.
Apurva Mittal, Lakshmi P. Nirisha, C. Kumar et al.· Indian Journal of Psychiatry· 0 citations
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic, relapsing condition that poses a significant public health challenge in Iraq. Evaluating the work system within specialized centers is essential for identifying barriers to effective patient management. This study aimed to explore healthcare providers’ (HCPs) perspectives on factors shaping patient management and treatment acceptance in specialized SUD centers in Baghdad, utilizing the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model. A qualitative study was conducted between December 2023 and July 2024 at two specialized facilities: a social rehabilitation center (Site A) and an addiction treatment hospital (Site B). Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were held with 28 HCPs, including psychiatrists and nurses. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework and organized according to the five SEIPS domains: person, tasks, tools/technology, organization, and environment. Key findings across the SEIPS domains revealed significant systemic barriers. In the Person domain, HCPs highlighted inadequate specialized training and weak patient willpower fueled by the availability of substances. Tasks were characterized by the high effort required for continuous counseling and managing aggressive behavior. In the Tools and Organization domains, severe shortages of specialized staff, lack of electronic health records, and inadequate assessment spaces were reported. Environmentally, overcrowding and the “prison-like” atmosphere of facilities negatively impacted patient motivation. Effective SUD management in Iraq is hindered by structural limitations, workforce shortages, and environmental stressors. Enhancing treatment outcomes requires a multidisciplinary approach, including specialized staff training, infrastructure modernization, and stronger inter-ministerial collaboration to address post-discharge relapse triggers.
Sarah Hazem Muslim, A. A. Al-Jumaili, Hasan Ali Owayez et al.· Journal of Umm Al-Qura Unive...· 0 citations
ABSTRACT Introduction Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co‐occurs with substance use disorders (SUD), yet few community‐based SUD programs incorporate evidence‐based trauma‐focused. Prolonged exposure (PE), including its massed format (M‐PE) with session frequency of 3–4 times per week, is a gold standard intervention for PTSD; however, concerns about client readiness, logistical demands and relapse risk have limited its adoption within SUD settings. This study examined staff perspectives on the feasibility and acceptability of integrating M‐PE into a community‐based SUD program. Methods Prior to launching a Hybrid Type 1 effectiveness–implementation trial (Project COMET), we conducted semi‐structured virtual interviews with 15 community clinic staff: providers (n = 8), administrators (n = 2) and peer specialists (n = 5). Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a rapid qualitative analysis framework with matrix techniques to compare themes across roles. Results Four overarching themes captured staff perspectives on integrating M‐PE: (Theme 1) Prior Knowledge and Experiences: Most staff were familiar with EMDR, while direct knowledge of PE/M‐PE was limited. (Theme 2) Perceptions of M‐PE: M‐PE was widely viewed as a promising, structured intervention that fits the pacing and duration of SUD care. (Theme 3) Symptom Reduction and Client Impact: Staff anticipated improvements in PTSD and SUD symptoms through trauma‐focused treatment. (Theme 4) Barriers and Constraints: Participants identified several potential implementation challenges, including logistical barriers and client readiness. Discussion and Conclusions Findings suggest that staff generally viewed M‐PE favourably but emphasised the importance of ensuring client readiness and organisational support. Enhancing feasibility and long‐term sustainability may require expanded psychoeducation, targeted provider training and flexible delivery models. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06968832.
Steven Curto, Tasha Bulgin, Jordan A. Gette et al.· Drug and Alcohol Review· 0 citations
BACKGROUND
Dual Pathology has a major impact on the individual's life and on society and is associated with worsening severity and persistence of both mental illness and addiction, which is why scientific evidence increasingly points treatment of patients with Dual Pathology.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate how participants in group therapy experience the group and their relationship with the professionals.
METHODS
A qualitative descriptive study using focus groups was conducted with 12 participants attending a Dual Pathology Group in a psychiatric hospital in Portugal. The data was analyzed using Braun & Clarke's reflective thematic analysis methodology. Transcripts of interview recordings were imported into the MAXQDA 24 qualitative software program for thematic content analysis.
RESULTS
The results point to the positive contribution of Group teaching carried out by nurses in improving literacy about substance use and psychiatric disorder. The four themes obtained were: Meaning of the Dual Pathology Group; Importance of Healthcare Professionals; Learning and Knowledge Acquisition; Relationship between Alcohol Use and Psychiatric Disorder.
CONCLUSION
Increasing literacy about substance use and psychiatric pathology seems to have an impact on adherence to treatment for patients with Dual Pathology.
Lídia Susana Mendes Moutinho, Joana Teixeira, José Afonso Paixão et al.· BMC Nursing· 0 citations
PURPOSE
Immigrant adolescents are exposed to multiple health risk factors. This study aimed to compare the burden of multimorbidity and psychological distress, along with associated exposure factors, among accompanied and unaccompanied immigrant adolescents seeking care in a hospital-based unit for vulnerable populations.
METHODS
This monocentric observational cohort was undertaken in Marseille, France (2019-2024), and included 384 adolescents aged 10-17 years who had arrived within the previous 5 years. The Cumulative Illness Rating Scale assessed the multimorbidity, and the Protect questionnaire assessed the risk of psychological trauma as a major component of psychological distress.
RESULTS
The mean Cumulative Illness Rating Scale was 3.98 (standard deviation: 2.64). Multimorbidity was common, with 35.4% of participants having impairment of ≥ 3 organ systems. The most frequent impairments involved the eye, ear, nose, throat or teeth (48.7%), musculoskeletal and integumentary systems (46.4%), and mental health conditions (25.3%). Multimorbidity was independently associated with chronic medical history before migration (adjusted OR = 1.40, p < .0005) and during migration (adjusted OR = 1.94, p = .005). The risk of psychological trauma was independently associated with unaccompanied immigrant adolescent status (adjusted OR = 4.27, p < .05) and physical morbidity burden (adjusted OR = 1.18, p < .05). Patients had less emergency department visits during and after care in this hospital-based unit.
DISCUSSION
Immigrant adolescents seeking care experience a high burden of multimorbidity and psychological distress. This risk requires particular attention, especially for unaccompanied adolescents, despite the lack of a convenient screening tool. A comprehensive care pathway is needed to reduce health inequalities in this extremely vulnerable population.
Laure Ngom, Boris Joachim, Axelle Dibas-Franck et al.· Journal of Adolescent Health· 0 citations