Navigating drug use, cessation, and recovery: a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community-based service in Singapore
Abstract Background In Singapore, where drug use is a highly stigmatized and criminalized issue, there is limited understanding of the challenges faced by individuals, particularly sexual minority men, in their journey towards recovery from substance dependence or addiction. This qualitative study a...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2024-04-01
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| Series: | Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00605-x |
| _version_ | 1797199627328421888 |
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| author | Tzy Hyi Wah Adeline Jia Xin Ong Kuhanesan N. C. Naidu Syaza Hanafi Kelvin Tan Alaric Tan Tricia Jia Jing Ong Eleanor Ong Daniel Weng Siong Ho Mythily Subramaniam Maha Yewtuck See Rayner Kay Jin Tan |
| author_facet | Tzy Hyi Wah Adeline Jia Xin Ong Kuhanesan N. C. Naidu Syaza Hanafi Kelvin Tan Alaric Tan Tricia Jia Jing Ong Eleanor Ong Daniel Weng Siong Ho Mythily Subramaniam Maha Yewtuck See Rayner Kay Jin Tan |
| author_sort | Tzy Hyi Wah |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In Singapore, where drug use is a highly stigmatized and criminalized issue, there is limited understanding of the challenges faced by individuals, particularly sexual minority men, in their journey towards recovery from substance dependence or addiction. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the driving forces behind drug use, the factors contributing to drug cessation, and the elements influencing the recovery process. Methods Data were extracted from clinical records provided by The Greenhouse Community Services Limited between January 2020 to May 2022. These records encompassed information from four distinct forms: the intake assessment, progress notes, case closing summary, and the care plan review. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and categorize recurring themes within the data. Results Data from beneficiaries (n = 125) were analyzed and yielded a series of themes related to facilitators of drug use, motivations to cease drug use, and managing one’s ongoing recovery. Within the facilitators of drug use, two sub-themes were identified: (a) addressing trauma and triggers and (b) managing emotions. Additionally, managing one’s recovery was marked by four significant sub-themes: (a) uncovering personal identities, (b) losing motivation and drive, (c) overcoming obstacles, and (d) preparing for aftercare. Conclusions The study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of ongoing recovery management, offering potential avenues for interventions that could enhance support for individuals in their journey to overcome substance dependence. Enhancing psychoeducation and fostering peer support have the potential to facilitate the recovery process. Clearly, a holistic approach is needed to address these complex issues that cuts across our societies. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T07:18:46Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-ab6e49eaf134476482fe97bc938debf7 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1747-597X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T07:18:46Z |
| publishDate | 2024-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy |
| spelling | doaj.art-ab6e49eaf134476482fe97bc938debf72024-04-21T11:08:46ZengBMCSubstance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy1747-597X2024-04-0119111610.1186/s13011-024-00605-xNavigating drug use, cessation, and recovery: a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community-based service in SingaporeTzy Hyi Wah0Adeline Jia Xin Ong1Kuhanesan N. C. Naidu2Syaza Hanafi3Kelvin Tan4Alaric Tan5Tricia Jia Jing Ong6Eleanor Ong7Daniel Weng Siong Ho8Mythily Subramaniam9Maha Yewtuck See10Rayner Kay Jin Tan11The Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedThe Greenhouse Community Services LimitedAbstract Background In Singapore, where drug use is a highly stigmatized and criminalized issue, there is limited understanding of the challenges faced by individuals, particularly sexual minority men, in their journey towards recovery from substance dependence or addiction. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the driving forces behind drug use, the factors contributing to drug cessation, and the elements influencing the recovery process. Methods Data were extracted from clinical records provided by The Greenhouse Community Services Limited between January 2020 to May 2022. These records encompassed information from four distinct forms: the intake assessment, progress notes, case closing summary, and the care plan review. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and categorize recurring themes within the data. Results Data from beneficiaries (n = 125) were analyzed and yielded a series of themes related to facilitators of drug use, motivations to cease drug use, and managing one’s ongoing recovery. Within the facilitators of drug use, two sub-themes were identified: (a) addressing trauma and triggers and (b) managing emotions. Additionally, managing one’s recovery was marked by four significant sub-themes: (a) uncovering personal identities, (b) losing motivation and drive, (c) overcoming obstacles, and (d) preparing for aftercare. Conclusions The study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of ongoing recovery management, offering potential avenues for interventions that could enhance support for individuals in their journey to overcome substance dependence. Enhancing psychoeducation and fostering peer support have the potential to facilitate the recovery process. Clearly, a holistic approach is needed to address these complex issues that cuts across our societies.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00605-xSubstance useDependenceHolistic interventionsRecoveryQualitativeSingapore |
| spellingShingle | Tzy Hyi Wah Adeline Jia Xin Ong Kuhanesan N. C. Naidu Syaza Hanafi Kelvin Tan Alaric Tan Tricia Jia Jing Ong Eleanor Ong Daniel Weng Siong Ho Mythily Subramaniam Maha Yewtuck See Rayner Kay Jin Tan Navigating drug use, cessation, and recovery: a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community-based service in Singapore Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy Substance use Dependence Holistic interventions Recovery Qualitative Singapore |
| title | Navigating drug use, cessation, and recovery: a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community-based service in Singapore |
| title_full | Navigating drug use, cessation, and recovery: a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community-based service in Singapore |
| title_fullStr | Navigating drug use, cessation, and recovery: a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community-based service in Singapore |
| title_full_unstemmed | Navigating drug use, cessation, and recovery: a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community-based service in Singapore |
| title_short | Navigating drug use, cessation, and recovery: a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community-based service in Singapore |
| title_sort | navigating drug use cessation and recovery a retrospective case notes review among sexual minority men at a community based service in singapore |
| topic | Substance use Dependence Holistic interventions Recovery Qualitative Singapore |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00605-x |
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