Introduction: Drug addiction negatively affects the user's occupational participation. Concentration and productivity in education and work decrease, leisure time is devoted to activities associated with the use of illegal drugs. Since addiction cannot be treated solely with medication, rehabilitation at emotional, social, and neurological levels is necessary, where occupational therapists play a very important role. Purpose: The aim of this thesis is to determine, through a literature review, what is currently known about occupational therapy interventions for individuals addicted to illegal drugs. Methods: A general literature review was conducted, presented using the PRISMA diagram. Articles published between 2010 and 2023 were included. Articles were searched in the databases CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, OTSeeker, and COBISS. The search formula in English was: ((occupational therap* OR ot OR occupation* OR occupational based) AND (drug addiction OR drug abuse OR drug dependence OR substance abuse OR substance dependence OR substance use disorder)). In Slovenian, the search formula used was: ((delovna terapija OR delovni terapevt*) AND (odvisnost OR odvisnik* OR substanc* OR drog* OR odvisnost od prepovedanih drog)). Results: Fourteen scientific articles were included in the final analysis. Among them were four quantitative studies, four qualitative studies, two integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, and four literature reviews. Two main themes were identified: occupational therapy interventions, models, and approaches used in the treatment of individuals addicted to illegal drugs, and positive outcomes of occupational therapy interventions, models, and approaches in the treatment of individuals addicted to illegal drugs. Discussion and conclusion: Occupational therapists employ numerous interventions, approaches, and models for individuals addicted to illegal drugs, highlighting the essential role they play in their treatment. They use both individual and group interventions, approaches, and models that are focused on specific occupations, those that emphasize learning and developing new skills, and most importantly, interventions that focus on establishing a healthy routine and lifestyle. The positive outcomes of occupational therapy interventions in drug addiction confirm their effectiveness and the indispensability of occupational therapy in this field. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence of occupational therapy practice to truly confirm the usefulness and effectiveness of interventions.
|