| Abstract: | Introduction: Addiction to psychoactive substances is a public health and social problem. Addiction is a disorder in which a person, despite being aware of the consequences of using psychoactive substances, persistently seeks and continues to use them. In the treatment of addiction, there are so-called high-threshold programs, which require a high level of motivation, and low-threshold programs, which aim to reduce the consequences of substance use. There are also non-governmental organizations that play a role primarily in the rehabilitation of people addicted to psychoactive substances. Healthcare professionals play an extensive role in the treatment and rehabilitation process, as they engage in therapeutic communication, motivate the person, monitor their condition, and provide health education. The main purpose of health education is to promote understanding of addiction and support the development of healthy habits. The purpose of the study is to examine health education work with people addicted to psychoactive substances.
Method: In the study, we used a qualitative research approach and a descriptive method, and the data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The study, which was conducted in June 2025, involved a total of seven people (two men and five women) aged between 24 and 35, all of whom were registered nurses or healthcare professionals. Before the study began, all participants signed a consent form agreeing to take part in the study.
Results: All interviewees cited harm reduction and the improvement of the physical, mental, and social condition of individuals addicted to psychoactive substances as the main purpose of high-threshold and low-threshold addiction treatment programs. Regarding the role of healthcare workers in the treatment and rehabilitation process, the interviewees highlighted roles such as monitoring the condition, providing health education, and motivating the person. When working with people addicted to psychoactive substances, workers must be empathetic, compassionate, and patient, and have a non-judgmental approach, the ability to listen actively, and the ability to communicate therapeutically. In the study, interviewees defined motivation as an important condition for successful treatment and rehabilitation, as it strengthens persistence, self-control, and social reintegration of people addicted to psychoactive substances.
Discussion: In the study, we examined health education work with people addicted to psychoactive substances. We found that treatment includes low-threshold and high-threshold programs. Low-threshold programs, which are run by non-governmental organizations, are key to reducing harm and ensuring good accessibility, as they have no entry requirements. High-threshold programs are crucial for strengthening and maintaining lifelong abstinence. We found that healthcare workers play a key role in both the treatment and rehabilitation of people addicted to psychoactive substances. Their roles include monitoring the person's condition, performing therapeutic procedures, motivating the person, providing a safe and non-judgmental environment, offering psychosocial support, etc. The role of healthcare professionals is particularly important in reducing stigma and self-stigma and in establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship. We have also found that health education is an important component in the treatment and rehabilitation of people addicted to psychoactive substances, as its purpose is to understand addiction as a disease, prevent relapse, encourage behavioural and lifestyle changes, etc. |
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