Entering treatment for substance misuse: A review of the literature

Abstract

Research on the reasons for or against entering treatment for alcohol and drug misuse has investigated biological, psychological, and social factors, as well as life events and the effect of previous treatment experiences. However, many of these studies have a number of methodological and conceptual problems. Overall, research in this area is still inconclusive, and hence it is difficult to accurately predict who will enter treatment. Furthermore, the perspective of the user has been largely ignored with only a limited number of qualitative studies reported in the literature. Qualitative methodology allows a more systematic exploration of the users' perspective. Understanding substance misusers' reasons for entering treatment is important and can be used in clinical practice. It is suggested that future research in this area needs to take more notice of the user's perspective by combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In addition there is a need to develop a more coherent conceptual framework for understanding the process of treatment entry.