Lived Experiences of Women With Substance Use Disorders Regarding Their Motivations and Barriers to Seeking Treatment
AI Summary
Desire for recovery, family responsibilities and hope for improved functioning motivate women to initiate and maintain inpatient SUD treatment.
Stigma, caregiving duties and inadequate institutional support are primary barriers to initiating and sustaining treatment among women with SUD.
Interplay of psychological, social and structural factors shapes motivations and barriers; addressing these multidimensional needs is essential for sustained recovery.
J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2026 Jul 7. doi: 10.1111/jpm.70172. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Women with substance use disorders (SUD) face distinct gender-based challenges in accessing and engaging with treatment, including stigma, caregiving responsibilities and inadequate institutional support. Despite increasing rates of substance use among women, their treatment needs remain under-addressed in both clinical practice and research.
AIM: This study explored the lived experiences of women with SUD regarding their motivations and barriers to seeking and maintaining treatment in a psychiatric inpatient setting in Türkiye.
METHOD: A descriptive phenomenological approach was used. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 women diagnosed with SUD who had completed detoxification and were receiving inpatient care. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s method, supported by MAXQDA 24.0.
RESULTS: As a result of the research, two main themes emerged: ‘Motivations and Barriers’. Also, four sub-themes: (1) Motivation to initiate treatment, (2) Motivation to maintain treatment, (3) Barriers to initiating treatment and (4) Barriers to maintaining treatment, and 17 codes were determined.
DISCUSSION: Motivations and barriers to treatment among women with SUD reflect an interplay of psychological, social and structural factors. Addressing these multidimensional needs is essential for sustained recovery.
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