Attitudes and Perspectives of Service Providers on Persons Who Use Stimulants in Northern and Central Mexico

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine and other stimulant use are increasing across Mexico while treatment options and public funding remain scarce for substance use treatment. This study examined the attitudes and perspectives of service providers who work with persons who use stimulants in Mexico. Methods: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 service providers in diverse cities in the northern and central regions of Mexico, from healthcare centers and harm reduction community-based organizations (CBOs). All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. We conducted a thematic analysis to identify and compare common themes and patterns among participants, including portrayal of persons who use stimulants, dynamics of use, attitudes toward persons who use stimulants, and treatment availability and effectiveness. Results: First, service providers considered that persons who use stimulants have more complex backgrounds than others who use other substances. Second, although most providers mentioned trauma, pain, and the risk environment, CBO providers also stressed the importance of accounting for hedonism for understanding stimulant use trajectories. Third, treatment options are based on the type of services the institutions provide, usually constrained to guidelines for any substance use. In a few cases, cocaine treatment guidelines are used regardless of the type of stimulant used. Fourth, although health care services are abstinence-based, providers acknowledge the effectiveness of harm reduction approaches. In contrast, CBOs provide person-centered options. Conclusions: Overall, although service providers are aware of the increase in stimulant use, stigmatizing attitudes are prominent among some of them. However, providers in CBOs were more sensitized to their communities’ specific needs. Public policy recommendations include training to eliminate institutional stigmatization, the importance of first-person language, harm reduction effectiveness, and implementing community-based interventions to improve stimulant use-related services.