Introduction Heavy alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are prevalent in the U.S., particularly in rural areas, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. AUD occurs across all demographics; while treatment rates are below 10% for all groups, individuals from diverse backgrounds experience additional socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural barriers to care. Learning about the patient experience can offer actionable recommendations for health systems and healthcare workers (HCW) to make such care more accessible and equitable. Methods This study employed listening sessions in English and Spanish to explore the perspectives of individuals who previously had received alcohol use treatment, and their family members, living in the rural Pacific Northwest. Using qualitative descriptive methodology, we identified both overlapping and distinct themes in the two linguistic groups. Results Spanish-speakers reported frustration with alcohol-related resources being in English, wanted HCW to include family members more, and reported life stressors as a trigger for alcohol use. English-speakers reported not answering questionnaires honestly, struggling to ask for help, and feeling that trauma and family issues are not well understood by HCW. Additionally, one American Indian participant reported experiencing overt racism. Among both groups, support groups and outreach were highly valued; participants wanted HCW to be more proactive; both groups recognized trauma as both a cause and effect of alcohol and cited a lack of trust in HCW. Discussion Results suggest directions for HCWs and systems to improve the experience for patients with alcohol problems, such as allowing time to build relationships, offering linguistically appropriate resources, and addressing stress and trauma. Conclusion The patient experience with healthcare for alcohol use disorder was mixed, but generally unsatisfactory for both groups. Improvements are needed.
Hanlon-Wilde et al. (Sat,) studied this question.