Exploring Recovery Priorities in Inpatient Addiction Treatment: A Q-Methodological Study

Abstract

Introduction: Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is increasingly recognized as a personal journey, necessitating an approach that considers individual goals and priorities. Research on recovery priorities in inpatient settings is limited. Our study employs Q-methodology to explore recovery priorities among clients with multimorbid SUD, aiming to guide targeted, recovery-oriented care. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed Q-methodology to explore recovery priorities among 129 individuals entering inpatient addiction treatment. A collaboratively developed Q-set of 42 statements covered clinical, functional, and personal recovery goals. Participants ranked statements by importance, and rotated factor analysis was used to identify clusters of recovery priorities. Qualitative interview data were then analyzed for further interpretation. Results: We found 12 consensus statements and two distinct factors. Factor 1 (n = 60) emphasized personal growth and coping, while factor 2 (n = 51) highlighted practical aspects such as securing income and housing. Qualitative data supported these findings. Conclusions: Despite the individual nature of recovery and the diversity within the addiction treatment population, our study identified shared goals and two distinct factors. This insight can inform tailored interventions, with factor 1 individuals potentially favoring psychological approaches and factor 2 individuals focusing on practical goals.