Counseling interventions with buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorders
Abstract
Opioid abuse and opioid related deaths continue to affect families and communities across the United States. Medication-assisted treatment shows advantages over other types of interventions for opioid use disorder (OUD) (Bart, 2012). While buprenorphine, an approved medication for the treatment of OUD, has a wide research base to support its efficacy, there is little research or guidance on behavioral interventions to use in conjunction with the medication. Investigating clients' experiences in treatment can provide helpful and necessary information for improving treatment efforts. The following qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the client experience of group therapy with buprenorphine for OUD. Results showed the importance of supportive, genuine relationships in recovery, as well as the need for accountability and a safe space for self-disclosure. This research highlights the importance of the therapeutic alliance, the 11 therapeutic factors of groups, and the necessity of building authentic relationships in treatment.
General Audience Abstract
As opioid overdoses continue to rise in the United States, it is essential that we improve addiction treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines the use of medications and counseling to treat the whole person. This type of approach shows advantages over counseling only interventions for opioid use disorder (OUD) (Bart, 2012). While MAT shows promise over counseling only approaches, there is little research or guidance on how to implement counseling with the medication. Investigating clients’ experiences in treatment can provide helpful and necessary information for improving counseling in MAT. The following qualitative study used in-depth interviews with participants who are currently in a MAT program to better understand their experiences in treatment. Results showed the importance of supportive, genuine relationships in recovery, as well as the need for accountability and a safe space for sharing. This research helps further knowledge of treatment for OUD to better serve those affected by addiction, as well as adding to the gaps in group therapy and addiction’s literature.
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- Doctoral Dissertations [16366]