Barriers and facilitators to discharge processes for inpatients with substance use disorders in therapeutic communities

Abstract

Objective: this research seeks to identify and describe obstacles and facilitators recognized by treatment teams and users of therapeutic communities (TC) for making effective their discharge. Method: a descriptive, observational (non-experimental) exploratory design was used, with triangulation of multiple strategies, instruments and sources for data generation and analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with directors of the institutions that make up the sample and focus groups with treatment teams and users. Results: coincidences were found between users and members of the treating teams in some of the obstacles and facilitators mentioned as the most important ones. Among the obstacles appear the difficulties in coping with the demands of the environment, by the users and the unfavorable socio-community context with the consumer environment. Among the facilitators, both actors mentioned as the main ones: the recognition of their own strengths and weaknesses by the users; commitment, accompaniment, support and family participation in the treatment; and the favorable socio-community context in which to find healthy support networks.