Exploring the Daily Lives of People on Methadone Maintenance Treatment: An Occupational Perspective
Abstract
A study was undertaken with five people on Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) within London, Ontario. The objectives were to better understand the experiences and daily routines of people on MMT through in-depth exploration of their everyday occupations and the ongoing challenges and barriers they face to accessing treatment. This research employed a qualitative intrinsic case study methodology (Stake, 1995). Using an occupational perspective informed by a framework for occupational justice (Stadnyk et al., 2010), findings are presented according to four themes highlighting key aspects of the participants' experiences: a) a ‘descent into chaos’, b) ‘MMT as a bridge’ to recovery from addiction, c)a ‘new normal’ daily life, and d) hopes for ‘moving forward’. These findings illustrate how structural factors and contextual factors interact to create occupational injustices. Thus, MMT practices and policies should consider the occupational implications described in this thesis to enhance patients’ experiences and further support their recovery.