Inside the System: A Qualitative Examination of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Challenges in Pakistan
Background. The persistent high rate of relapse and widespread prevalence of substance use disorders demands the urgent need to understand the challenges faced by addiction professionals in treating this complex population. Method. This qualitative study explored the experiences of seven mental health professionals (mean age: 38.7 years; average clinical experience: 7 years and 8 months), all with postgraduate qualifications (Master’s to PhD), working in the field of rehabilitation centers for substance use disorders. Using a semi-structured interview guide, in-depth interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed using the guidelines of (Braun & Clarke, 2022). Results. Key challenges identified included: the absence of integrated treatment for comorbid mental health conditions, frequent relapses, lack of culturally adaptive interventions, limited innovation in treatment approaches, minimal family involvement, absence of individualized treatment planning, insufficient focus on relapse prevention and social reintegration, and lack of evidence-based models. Additionally, professionals reported a general sense of dissatisfaction among families and difficulty in monitoring long-term recovery outcomes. Conclusion. These findings emphasize the pressing need for systemic reform, culturally responsive care, and evidence-based, holistic models to improve treatment effectiveness and long-term recovery in the population suffering from substance use disorder.