title: Experiences of Living With Opioid Dependence: An Interview Study Among Individuals Participating in Medication-Assisted Treatment.
abstract: In order to describe experiences of living with opioid dependence, thirteen interviews were conducted with people participating in medication-assisted treatment. The results showed that living with opioid dependence is about the two-faced drug. The participant's past was a constant burden in life, and the drug filled a spiritual emptiness. The participant's described a life in chaos and pain, and furthermore, a life without dignity and in alienation. Opioid dependence means great suffering. Having a holistic view and by gaining an understanding of the complexities of opioid dependence, healthcare professionals can provide nonjudgmental and respectful treatment.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nursing , The Caring Sciences Building, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden.
authors.forename: Ylva
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Melin
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nursing , The Caring Sciences Building, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden.
authors.forename: Margita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eklund
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nursing , The Caring Sciences Building, Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden.
authors.forename: Britt-Marie
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Lindgren
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013548:Sweden