A new study published in a peer-review journal by the USAID RenewHealth Project led by URC examining the attitudes of healthcare providers (HCPs) in the Philippines highlights significant challenges in addressing drug addiction as a public health issue and providing compassionate care for those struggling with addiction.
Conducted across five regions of the country and using a mixed-method approach, the study surveyed 276 healthcare professionals and interviewed 36 more to learn how HCPs perceive drug use and addiction.
The findings suggest that many healthcare professionals still adhere to outdated myths and misconceptions about drug users and addiction that fuel stigma and discrimination against persons who use drugs (PWUD), that can impede the quality of care received and discourage individuals from seeking help.
These false assumptions include:
- The majority of drug users become addicted
- Overcoming addiction is simply a matter of willpower
- Addiction is a sign of moral failure and character weakness
Another critical finding is that those working in faith-based organizations are more likely to view addiction as a moral issue rather than a health problem. This perception can deepen the stigma faced by PWUDs, as it frames addiction in a negative, judgmental light rather than understanding it as a complex public health challenge.
Only 16% of PWUD (one out of six globally) have access to treatment. This gap is heavily influenced by stigma and discrimination, which become significant barriers to recovery. For many, the fear of judgment or poor treatment can delay or prevent them from seeking the necessary help, which can contribute to poor mental and physical health, increase risky behaviors, and perpetuate the cycle of addiction.
The Importance of Mental Health and Experiential Training for Healthcare Providers
A significant aspect of the research is its focus on mental health—both PWUDs and healthcare providers themselves. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing the psychological impacts of addiction, particularly in a country with a punitive stance on drug use.
Healthcare professionals who lack proper understanding of addiction also may experience stress, burnout, and frustration when dealing with PWUDs, further contributing to negative attitudes. In contrast, surveyed healthcare professionals with greater exposure to PWUDs were found to have a better understanding of addiction, allowing them to feel more comfortable working with this population. Experiential training programs that expose healthcare providers to the realities of addiction and the lived experiences of PWUDs. Such programs could help clarify addiction, reduce stigma, and enhance the quality of care offered to patients.
The Path Forward: Creating a More Supportive Environment
Twelve of 14 countries surveyed in a 2022 study by the World Health Organization ranked drug addiction as the first or second most stigmatized health condition. The integration of mental health and addiction treatment into public health services is critical, as is providing training to healthcare professionals on the complexities of addiction and the importance of treating PWUDs with dignity and respect.
URC employs a multifaceted approach to mental health and psychosocial support, implementing comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based interventions. URC’s efforts in integrating mental health into primary health care and specialized services, leveraging the power of community-based approaches in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, innovating with technology in providing mental health support, and engaging in global partnerships illustrate its profound impact on enhancing mental health outcomes and building resilient health systems worldwide.
Education and exposure to people with lived experiences of addiction can help shift attitudes. By equipping service providers with accurate knowledge and reducing the stigma surrounding drug use, these programs can play a crucial role in improving the mental health and recovery outcomes for PWUDs.
