What constitutes effective problematic substance use treatment from the perspective of people who are homeless?
Submitted by Edie
- 26 February 2022
Despite people who are homeless experiencing higher rates of substance use, individuals face barriers when trying to access and engage with treatment services.
This systematic review and meta-ethnography explores the view of effective treatment by people who are homeless.
Twenty-three papers published since 2002 in the UK, USA and Canada were included in the review.
Key Findings:
- Participants of all types of interventions had a preference for harm reduction-oriented services.
- Participants considered treatment effective when it provided a facilitative service environment; compassionate and non-judgmental support; time; choices; and opportunities to (re)learn how to live.
- Interventions that were of longer duration and offered stability to service users were valued, especially by women.
From these findings, the researchers developed a model that highlights important elements of effective treatment as described by service users.
