Perspectives About Treatment Services From People Who Use Illicit Drugs

The objective of the current study was to describe the perspectives of people who use illicit drugs regarding the availability and effectiveness of drug treatment services. A total of 111 participants with illicit drug use experience were recruited from an inner city community in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Treatment services were considered to be essential and necessary by the majority of participants, whereas general hospitals and mental health services were considered to be the most highly available treatment options for illicit drug use. Participants also indicated that treatment led to positive changes in their lives, highlighting the importance of drug treatment services for promoting the rights and responsibilities of people who use illicit drugs. Results support the need for services that value and respect the fundamental rights of people who use illicit drugs. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(x), xx-xx.].