[Quality of life among patients in drug-assisted rehabilitation programmes]

Drug-assisted rehabilitation programmes reduce mortality and improve somatic and mental health among opioid abusers. We have explored changes in patients' perception of their QoL (quality of life) after enrollment in such a programme, and their explanations for these changes.

26 patients, enrolled a drug-assisted rehabilitation programme, were interviewed according to a semi-structured guide. Changes in QoL were recorded on a five-point scale; from much worse to much better. Answers to the question "What are your two main explanations for improved/reduced QoL?" were recorded literally and analysed by systematic text condensation.

The informants made 42 statements on reasons for improved QoL and six for reduced QoL. Important explanations for improved QoL were that life is no longer ruled by addiction, fewer social problems, and improved relationships to family and friends. Improved physical and psychological health was rarely mentioned. Loneliness and isolation, as well as the control imposed on them by the programme were explanations for reduced QoL.

A large majority of patients experienced improved QoL, and having regained control of their life was the most important explanation. Some felt the treatment dominated their life too much, and therefore expressed a poorer QoL.