Perceptions of Practice and Professional Identity Among Substance Use Prevention Professionals in Ohio: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Introduction: Ohio experiences higher than average rates of deaths by drug overdose among U.S. states. Relatedly, the projected need for substance use prevention professionals in the US surpasses the average growth across all occupations, driven by a combination of continuing increases in substance use disorders and professionals leaving the labor force. This research was conducted to explore perceptions of the prevention practice, to develop recommendations for increasing the labor force in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic. Methods: In this descriptive qualitative study, fifteen prevention professionals, with average 11.5 years of experience, participated in one of three virtual focus groups. Text transcripts were generated by video conferencing software and corrected by researchers. Qualitative open coding was facilitated using Quirkos software; first cycle codes were collapsed into broad themes which described participants’ perceptions regarding their practice, influential beliefs, and contextual factors. Results: Key results included participants’ own view of their practice as holistic and focused on factors that encourage substance use as a coping mechanism rather than the behavior of substance use While professionals were amenable to multiple types of collaborations, some described a strained relationship with substance use treatment professionals. Conclusion: The holistic approach that participants described as foundational to their profession may appeal to a broad range of individuals. We recommend development of pathways to prevention credentialing that are easier to navigate for those currently employed in alternative helping professions. This potentially address profession growth needs by encouraging individuals to seek prevention certification as an additional professional credential.