Quality of life measures in treatment for active substance misuse: a scoping review

Unlike previous reviews on quality of life (QoL) and substance use disorders (SUD), this scoping review focuses on QoL within the context of SUD treatment and active substance misuse. This review delineates and describes QoL measures, assesses their application, and explores the influence of demographics on QoL outcomes.

Five databases were searched (EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus) using keywords related to QoL, clinician-verified SUD, and SUD treatment. All studies were published in English before June 1st, 2025. Two reviewers screened abstracts and full text for eligibility and study elements. The first author extracted data regarding methodology, substance use, treatment, and QoL measures. The PRISMA-ScR checklist guided this study and the reporting process for rigor and transparency.

Of the 11,078 initially identified articles, 108 were extracted for analysis. QoL measures accounted for multiple domains (e.g., physical, psychological, social, environmental, independence, security, and spiritual). Studies included male and female participants, all over the age of 18. Results found that many studies under-reported race, ethnicity, and cultural contexts, as well as high variability in the definition of QoL domains and standardization across treatment locations and geographic regions. Studies from Asia primarily showed preference for the WHOQOL-BREF measure compared to North America and Europe, which showed varied preference for measures. The most common QoL domains assessed were psychological, physical, and social.

This review highlights the need to operationalize QoL domains and assessment approaches in SUD treatment research to facilitate meaningful comparisons and enhance our understanding of treatment effectiveness.