Methadone maintenance treatment as social control: Analyzing patient experiences

AbstractMethadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a harm reduction approach for persons who wish to stop using opioids and is rather effective if used for a minimum of 12  months. Notably, research demonstrates that many persons enrolled in MMT programs discontinue care before this time, limiting its effects. To better understand this process, we undertook an exploratory descriptive qualitative study and interviewed 12 men and women who were using MMT. Using the the oretical work of Foucault and Hardt and Negri, the interview data highlighted that MMT continues to be strongly stigmatized, and that it is a system of care that involves rewards and penalties, based on if patients behave according to prescribed norms. These results suggest that MMT is a disciplinar y mechanism, albeit one that impedes its own access. We consequently recommend that healthcare providers work to facilitate access to MMT, which means altering care delivery.

Source: Nursing Inquiry - November 20, 2018 Category: Nursing Authors: Patrick O'Byrne, Courtney Jeske Pearson Tags: FEATURE Source Type: research