Out-of-treatment Drug and Alcohol Users in England: 'Unmet Treatment Need'?

Charlie Lloyd, Bina Bhardwa, Tiggey May, Geoff Page, Andrew John Papworth

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Background
An influential report in the UK from Dame Carol Black has emphasised the ‘treatment gap’ between the estimated numbers of crack users, opioid users and dependent drinkers, and the number of such substance users in treatment. The assumption has been that those out-of-treatment users in this gap represent an ‘unmet need’ for drug treatment.

Objectives
This paper will provide a brief discussion of what is meant by ‘unmet treatment need’ and discuss its meaning in the context of one the first substantial studies of out-of-treatment substance users in the UK.

Methods
It will draw on in-depth semi-structured interviews with a sample of 80 ‘problem’ crack, opioid and alcohol users who have been out of treatment for at least a year.

Findings
Analysis is currently underway and the resulting findings will be presented for the first time at the conference. However, the presentation will focus on pathways into vulnerability and the meaning of ‘treatment need’ in the context of the constellation of problems they face. The presentation will also foreground intersecting issues such as gender and mental health.

Conclusions
Implications for policy and practice will be explored, in terms of holistic responses to out-of-treatment substance users.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 25 Oct 2024
EventLisbon Addictions 2024 - Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: 23 Oct 202425 Oct 2024

Conference

ConferenceLisbon Addictions 2024
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityLisbon
Period23/10/2425/10/24

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