Ethics of qualitative research in substance use disorders

Ethics in substance use disorder research has evolved through the years into two distinct school of thoughts, including neuro-ethics and social ethics. Qualitative methods of conducting studies provide rich descriptive knowledge of underlying processes in use of substances, although their governing ethical principles and decision-making are fairly blurred. By incorporating case studies, in-depth interviews, focus groups or visual methods, substance use disorder research can be considerably enhanced. The present paper examines features of conducting qualitative research among substance users and the ethical frameworks that one needs to be mindful of. Understanding potential dilemmas, pitfalls, and challenges in conducting qualitative research among individuals with substance use disorders would be a useful way to build on the body of qualitative research.