LE3 .A278 2015

2015

MacLeod, Peter

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Psychology

Psychology

Opioid Replacement Therapy (ORT) is considered best practice for treating opioid addiction, but for some a life-time of ORT is impractical. The current study aimed to identify aids individuals used to quit ORT. The study posed two questions: What types of psychological aids do individuals who successfully detox off ORT discuss in their posts? And, how do individuals explain how these aids helped them achieve abstinence from ORT? Data were collected from 20 individuals’ contributions to online public forums. Thematic analysis was used to analyze their accounts. The three major psychological aids identified were: self-motivating cognitions, motivation for self-improvement, and social support. Several subthemes were also identified. Identifying and describing the psychological aids of people who have successfully discontinued ORT can inform physicians so that they are able to help patients succeed at discontinuing ORT. Keywords: opioid replacement therapy, psychological aids, thematic analysis

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1206