Abstract:
Polydrug Use (PDU) is the concurrent use of more than one psychoactive substance for non-medical use. PDU continues to be a global problem, with patients seeking opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) and is associated with withdrawal and cravings. Despite the strong evidence in the application of MAT for reducing opioid use, polydrug use interferes with MAT outcomes. The study objectives were to assess: the prevalence of polydrug use, types of polydrug used, causes of polydrug use and the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) on polydrug use reduction. This study is grounded on the Biopsychosocial-spiritual model, social learning theory and Self-determination theory. A quasi-experimental research design with pre- and post-intervention was utilized with a mixed method approach for quantitative and qualitative data. There were experimental and control groups which received baseline and end line assessments. The study population comprised of 2121 patients, from which a sample of 120 respondents was obtained through systematic sampling, 60 in the treatment group and 60 in the control group. The assessment was done using MAT patients’ clinical records, Timeline Follow back, WHO (Five) Well-Being, Motivation Interviewing (MI) instant assessment, feedback, self-rating readiness ruler and self-report. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software and systematic analysis of themes for qualitative data. At three months follow up, the experimental group with MI reduced heroin use by 29.80%, the control group increased heroin use by 0.18%, with no MI difference of 29.62% despite both groups undergoing MAT. Motivation Interview is effective in reducing polydrug use combined with MAT.
Description:
A Dissertation presented to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Of USIU-A Nairobi, Kenya In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Psychology, PsyD, Clinical Psychology