Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Text from an online support group was analyzed to determine what views methadone patients convey about their treatment. Analysis of online text from message board communications revealed three overarching themes of Supportive Communication, Information Sharing and Seeking, and Advocacy. A fourth theme, Patient Perspectives on Treatment, was constructed from sub-thematic information in each of the three broad themes. Methadone patients shared some interesting information about their treatment in an online information/support group. The major themes resulting from this analysis include the idea of methadone as an effective drug and treatment option for opiate dependency, stigma faced by patients, policy criticisms at the federal, state, local, and individual clinic levels, and the process of recovery. While patients generally recognized the value of methadone treatment in their lives, they had extensive criticisms of policies, approaches to treatment, clinic function, and the treatment system as a whole.