Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Nursing

Advisor

Janice Long

Abstract

AbstractOpioid use accounts for many deaths each day in the United States. Although research has shown that retention in medication assisted treatment (MAT) programs increases quality of life for those individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and decreases premature death, there has been limited research on the perspectives of individuals with OUD in MAT programs and why they remained in or left the programs. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study, guided by Merleau-Ponty’s theory of perception, was to explore the lived experiences of those with OUD treated in a MAT program. An algorithm type interview was conducted to ask about the lived experiences of individuals with OUD who have been treated in a MAT program and have chosen to stay, leave, or reenter. In-depth semistructured interviews with 11 purposively selected participants provided rich data of how OUD and treatment are lived through and understood. Transcribed interview data were interpreted using Saldana’s open coding using in vivo codes resulting in pattern recognition that led to three themes. The themes were: rhythm of recovery, shattered reflections, and transcending the program. The themes reflected that a personal connection was needed for retention in a MAT program. The potential for relapse occurred even while patients were on MAT medications, and failure to stay in one program did not preclude entry into another MAT program. Future studies should explore the patient perspectives on the reasons some participants are “not ready” for recovery from OUD. Results of this study may promote positive social change as MAT program providers understand the OUD patients’ perspectives on retention or leaving a MAT program for OUD.

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