title: Supervised methadone consumption: client issues and stigma.
abstract: Supervised methadone consumption is an important part of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) but may contribute to stigma for clients. Data from qualitative interviews with MMT clients (n = 64) conducted in 2002-2003 in Canada were analyzed using thematic analytic methods. Three themes dominated clients' accounts of supervised consumption (convenient access to services, relationships with pharmacists and dispensing staff, and attributes of the dispensing space) and were interwoven with experiences of stigmatization. While some dispensing contexts may help clients manage a stigmatized identity, others confer or make visible this identity. Reducing stigmatizing experiences within dispensing environments may improve MMT outcomes and decrease barriers to treatment. The study's limitations are noted.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anstice
authors.forename: Carol J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Strike
authors.forename: Bruna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Brands
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services; D013240:Stereotyping
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D008691:Methadone