Voice through the lens: Personal experience of those on methadone.

UNLABELLED: With the rise of opioid deaths and methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) being the "gold standard," evidence lacks the quality of life for those on Methadone.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop educational materials for communities and clinics about MMT and abstinence, utilizing the PhotoVoice technique to represent the voice of those on Methadone treatment (MMT) and abstinence for recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). Participants shared firsthand experiences of life on Methadone and abstinence, resulting in a short video clip and a poster.

DESIGN

Participants were recruited following meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. An introduction letter was handed out, and questions were answered. After COVID-19 Pandemic, further communications were delivered through Email. Five participants on Methadone and four who were abstinent were recruited. Participants were 18 years and over, male and female, were on MMT or abstinent for 6 months or more.

RESULTS

Common themes among participants were extracted and discussed with the participants and a short video clip and a poster were developed.

CONCLUSION

Further study in MMT from the patient's perspective need to be explored. The PhotoVoice project revealed personal barriers, while on Methadone, that impede a full and rich life spiritually, mentally, and physically.