University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Experiences of over-the-counter codeine misusers and accounts of recovery: A qualitative study in Tasmania, Australia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 14:08 authored by Melissa KirschbaumMelissa Kirschbaum, Anthony Barnett, Dorothy Cross

Introduction and Aims: There is international concern about misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) codeine, yet few studies have reported the perspectives of misusers themselves. This study explored the experience of OTC codeine misuse and recovery in Tasmania, Australia.

Design and Methods: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 15 self-identified long-term users of OTC codeine. The interview guide prompted responses about reasons for codeine use, positive and negative impacts, recovery, identity and codeine accessibility. Transcripts were analysed abductively using qualitative content analysis. Categories that emerged from misuser accounts were aligned to three broad temporal phases: (i) transition to misuse; (ii) growing awareness; and (iii) towards recovery.

Results: Salient features of the misuse experience included: initial use for the self-treatment of physical pain; ongoing use to self-medicate physical pain, stress or mental health conditions; a perception of safety of OTC codeine; an insidious transition from use to misuse; growing awareness of a problem over time; support provided by family, friends and the internet; recovery through self-change; and recognition that recovery is an ongoing process.

Discussion and Conclusions: Knowledge and understanding of the experience of OTC codeine misuse and recovery is critical to inform and tailor approaches to prevention and intervention. The findings suggest that strategies to improve the management of pain, stress and mental health, raise self-awareness of problematic use and potential for self-change, and increase social and web-based supports, should be considered when designing health policy initiatives that aim to reduce misuse.

History

Publication title

Drug and Alcohol Review

Volume

39

Pagination

879-887

ISSN

0959-5236

Department/School

School of Health Sciences

Publisher

Carfax Publishing

Place of publication

Rankine Rd, Basingstoke, England, Hants, Rg24 8Pr

Rights statement

Copyright 2020 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Public health (excl. specific population health) not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC