Women and Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Contributors to Treatment Success from the Perspectives of Women in Recovery, Women with Past Attempts in Drug Treatment, and Health and Criminal Justice Professionals
Restricted (Penn State Only)
Author:
Skogseth, Emma
Graduate Program:
Human Development and Family Studies
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
August 23, 2023
Committee Members:
Abenaa Jones, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Daniel Max Crowley, Committee Member Heidemarie Laurent, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies
Keywords:
women criminal justice substance use medications for opioid use disorder treatment retention facilitators women criminal justice substance use medications for opioid use disorder treatment retention facilitators
Abstract:
The current study examined contributors to treatment success through the triangulation of perspectives from affected women as well as health and criminal justice professionals. Interviews (N=42) were conducted from May to July 2022 with women in recovery who previously used or currently use MOUD (N=10), women who currently use opioids who terminated a MOUD program previously (N=10), SUD treatment professionals (N=12), and criminal justice professionals who work with women who use opioids (N=10). This study used a four-step qualitative data analysis process, congruent with grounded theory, to analyze transcripts. Participants highlighted contributors to treatment success from three domains: 1) internal processes (including promoting self-efficacy and setting realistic goals), 2) access to resources (including material and educational resources and social support), and 3) treatment structure (such as treatment type and protocol). Internal processes, access to resources, and treatment structure contribute to MOUD treatment success for women with OUD. Structured support where experiences are shared, and realistic goals are set may promote feelings of acceptance and empowerment, thereby bolstering chances of treatment success. Additionally, the court system can promote evidence-based and trauma-informed substance use treatment and provide accessible educational resources related to substance use to extend these benefits to more women.
