Twelve-step programs and spiritual support at the end of life

American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 2019 36(9) p.807-811

Groninger, Hunter; Knapik, Michael

In current literature, substance use disorder has mostly been examined in relation to appropriate symptom assessment and management, opioid risk screening, and controlled substance prescribing practices. However, for care to be holistic, awareness and facilitation of healthy psychosocial–spiritual coping strategies for recovering addicts should be included. One of the more common support mechanisms to support recovery is the 12-step program, based on Alcoholics Anonymous, which have been shown to provide effective coping strategies, not only to help facilitate ongoing abstinence but also to support other psychosocial–spiritual crises.

Palliative care for people with substance use disorder and multiple problems: a qualitative study on experiences of patients and proxies

BMC Palliative Care 2019 18:56

Anne EbenauBoukje Dijkstra,Chantal ter Huurne,Jeroen Hasselaar,Kris Vissers and Marieke Groot

This study aims to explore the issues and needs of patients with SUD and multiple problems, and their proxies, in the palliative care phase. It shows that talking about and anticipating palliative care with this patient-group appears hard due to patients’ closed and avoiding communication. Furthermore, some of the patients’ EOL preferences and needs, and coping strategies, seem to differ from the more generally-accepted ideas and practices. The authors offer suggestions for the improvement in communication with this patient-group, the identification of the palliative care phase and person-centred care.

Fulltext available at BMC Palliative Care