Navigating the Alcohol Treatment Pathway: A Qualitative Study from the Service Users' Perspective: Table 1.

Abstract

AimsProvision of effective treatment for dependent drinkers has been identified as a priority in England yet evidence suggests that access is problematic and there are low levels of retention. This qualitative study explores how the alcohol treatment system is experienced by service users, identifying barriers and facilitators that influence treatment outcomes.MethodsA total of 20 semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients from community alcohol treatment services in three London boroughs in 2012. Interviews were undertaken one year after initially entering treatment. A thematic analysis was conducted, with the results further abstracted to relate them to specific aspects of the treatment journey.ResultsPatients journeys were characterized by a perceived lack of control leading to help-seeking, with treatment outcomes influenced by an individuals' self-efficacy and the capabilities and skills of staff in actively engaging and supporting patients on the journey. A focus of services on the detoxification process and fragmented care pathways impacted negatively on engagement.ConclusionsCurrent alcohol care pathways require significant levels of motivation and self-efficacy to navigate that few patients possess. Pathways need to better reflect the capacity and capabilities of patients to be successful in supporting recovery.

Reasons for not seeking alcohol use disorder treatment

“…Furthermore, two major groups of facilitating factors towards rehabilitation appeared from the stories told by the participants. The first prominent factor seemed to be health-related issues; this is in line with several other studies which found that facilitators to help-seeking included concerns about the risk of fatal illness (32,(34)(35)(36). The second noticeable facilitating factor towards rehabilitation seemed to be relatives and relations.…”

Attempts to reduce alcohol intake and treatment needs among people with probable alcohol dependence in England: a general population survey

“…Primary care is a well-established treatment gateway in that general medical practitioners (GPs) conduct screening for harmful and dependent drinking, offer brief advice and interventions and refer to specialist alcohol services [6]. However, pathways to alcohol treatment and recovery can be difficult to navigate for people with alcohol dependence as many are met with high and at times unrealistic expectations of self-motivation [7]. Of 1 million people in the UK aged who are alcohol dependent, only about 6% receive treatment and many do not enter treatment until their drinking has become more problematic and more difficult to treat [8].…”

Impact of Instructional Intervention on Improving Dietary Intake of Alcoholics under Rehabilitation in Asumbi Center

“…While at baseline, meat and nuts group reported the individual mean FVS (± SD) of 8.22 (± 4.02), followed by fruit, dairy, cereal, vegetables groups with 6.32 (± 2.98), 4.07 (± 2.13), 4.32 (± 2.09), 4.54 (± 1.64) respectively. A different dietary sequence of FVS was previously reported from other studies with habitual consumption of cereal items having the highest individual mean while fruits and vegetables recording the least mean [15,16]. The meats and nuts group are significant in diet of a recuperating alcoholic since they yield amino acids: tyrosine and tryptophan which are responsible for the production of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.…”