Unmet need for substance misuse treatment

Research team

• Professor Charlie Lloyd
• Dr Geoff Page
• Dr Andrew Papworth

Co-Investigators

• Dr Tiggey May, Institute for Crime Policy Justice, Birkbeck, University of London
• Dr Bina Bhardwa, Institute for Crime Policy Justice, Birkbeck, University of London
• Marie O'Neill Queenan, Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Representative

Background

It has been estimated that 47% of opiate users, 60% of crack users and 83% of dependent drinkers are currently out of treatment. These cohorts are associated with particularly high levels of mortality, morbidity, crime, homelessness and associated costs. Evidence demonstrates that engaging people in structured treatment significantly reduces these harms. However, little previous research has been undertaken on out-of-treatment substance users and the obstacles to their engagement. 

Purpose of the research

This study will explore the current circumstances and histories of out-of-treatment substance users, and the barriers to treatment engagement and how might these be addressed in future.

What we will do:

1. Two case studies in a northern town and a London Borough (employing both quantitative and qualitative elements).
2. A literature review and an analysis of data from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System.
3. Interviews with 15 professionals in each site with knowledge of out-of-treatment groups.
4. Forty interviews with out-of-treatment drug users in each site, eliciting quantitative and qualitative data on 15 heroin, 15 alcohol, and 10 crack users, and quantitative data on an additional 25 crack and opiate users in each site (Total across both sites = 130).
5. A national survey of treatment providers to test the generalisability of our findings.
6. Three policy-focused workshops with key stakeholders (including peer researchers) to develop.

Further information

For more information, or to take part in the project, please contact Charlie Lloyd.