Sexual health and relationship training needs of the substance use workforce: findings from a cross-sectional study

Abstract

People receiving treatment for substance use disorders and those in long-term recovery who have a history of sex and drug-linked behavior are at greater risk of substance use recurrence than those without a history of problematic sexualized drug use. Yet, recovery support service professionals rarely receive training on how to integrate sexual health and relationship discussions into conversations with recovery clients. To determine if recovery support service professionals would benefit from a training program that increased comfort and willingness to talk about sexual health and relationship topics with clients, we collected and analyzed cross-sectional survey data from 222 substance use professionals. Survey items assessed participants’ comfort and willingness to talk with clients about various sex and relationship topics, as well as the acceptability, feasibility, and anticipated uptake of a hypothetical training program. We compared the responses of those working in recovery support services to those working in other areas of the substance use workforce (e.g., treatment settings). In general, those working in recovery support services were less willing and, for select topics, less comfortable discussing these issues. Most professionals expressed interest in additional training. Online self-paced modules (97.4%) and video lectures (95.3%) were viewed as acceptable and feasible methods for delivering a training program. Most participants (93.3%) indicated they would enroll in the training if it were available and delivered in a convenient and affordable manner. Substance use researchers and practitioners should collaborate on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a sexual health and recovery training program for substance use professionals.