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SCOTTISH ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DRUG MISUSE: Psychostimulant Working Group Report
ANNEX E: STUDY OF SERVICE PROVISION NEEDS OF PSYCHOSTIMULANT USERS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Methods
This qualitative study was conducted by the Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) on behalf of the Psycho-Stimulant Working Group of SACDM in the spring of 2002. The key purpose of the study was to obtain a snapshot of the views of stimulant users about service provision. Different groups of stimulant users were included: primary opiate users, primary stimulant users and recreational stimulant users. The methods used were one-to-one interviews and focus groups. The study focused on three psycho-stimulants: cocaine, crack cocaine and amphetamine.
Findings
Stimulant users are not a homogenous group.
There is an information and training deficit among professional health and specialist drug agency workers.
Drug services are primarily geared toward opiate use.
Stimulant users are disinclined to discuss drug use with GPs due to GPs lack of knowledge stimulants. (Among primary opiate users, the withdrawal of their methadone script was a concern.)
Alternative therapies were positively regarded by respondents as a treatment option for stimulant users experiencing problems.
Respondents expressed a need for employment skills and help finding work as well as some form of aftercare service.
Many drug users state a preference for drug agency workers who have personal experience of drug misuse.
Respondents expressed a desire for counselling to explore the reasons behind their drug use
.
Recommendations
There should be different approaches to care which recognise the diversity of users.
Short-term prescribing of dexamphetamine may be helpful to keep users off the streets.
Drug agency workers and health care professionals need more information and training about stimulants.
There is a need for improved co-ordination between services.
There is a need for early access to confidential, trustworthy advice and information without recourse to a GP.
The present variety of treatment approaches should be encouraged.
Employment support and aftercare/recovery services are needed.
Ex-users should be involved in delivering services.
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