The pathway to care of patients with SUD who presented at addiction treatment centers (AMATEM) in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: Recent studies have shown that alcohol and drug use in Turkey is rising year on year. In order to prevent and treat substance use disorder (SUD), many Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Training Centres (AMATEM) have been established in Turkey. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathway to care of patients who presented at AMATEM. Method: A total 235 patients with SUD between16-69 age groups who presented at AMATEMs in 2017 were included in this study. A sociodemographic form and a structured self-report questionnaire consisting of 36 items assessing the pathways of care were given to all the patients. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics using SPSS software. Results: The majority of the patients included in the study were single (55%) and male (96%). Patients mostly had a secondary school level of education (51%) and social security (65%). The majority of the patients stated that they used more than one substance (44%), opiates (20%) or alcohol (18%). Conclusion: This is the first study evaluating the pathway of care in patients with SUD in Turkey. It was observed that a significant majority of patients with SUD presented to AMATEMs and patients who applied to different health institutions stated that they were mostly informed about SUD and AMATEM. There were also patients with negative attitudes towards AMATEMs and non-medical treatment seeking behavior other than AMATEM. Families, relatives and friends of patients with SUD have an important place in reaching the treatment.