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11.8 GRAPH 6: APPOINTMENT
SATISFACTION

At the last session, participants were asked to report on specifics of appointments
ie the time of sessions allocated and the location (Midlothian or East Lothian).
This scale was simplified to reflect a low level (1 – Not very satisfied) and a high
level (5 – Very satisfied). All participants reported that they were satisfied with
appointment times. 17 individuals reported that they were very satisfied with
locations. The remaining participant travelled from Dunbar to Musselburgh each
week. Although she was given travel expenses to attend and expressed she was
happy to travel, she highlighted that it would be beneficial to be able to access
treatments in her own locality.

Appointment Satisfaction

11.9 OTHER POSITIVE OUTCOMES

In addition to the graphs 11.3-11.6, additional benefits and outcomes
were recorded at each individual complementary therapy session and the
Focus Groups. This feedback included reductions in drug use and increased
knowledge about the dangers of poly drug use. Focus Group conversations
captured discussions from female participants who had viewed previous service
engagement as risky. This was in contrast to feedback at individual last sessions
that reflected engagement had been a positive experience.
Furthermore, individuals presenting with other additional needs had been
identified quickly and referred into other key services for support. All male and
female participants reported increased wellbeing, resilience with many adopting
positive self-care coping strategies at home.

11.10 OTHER FINDINGS

It is evident that individuals use stimulant drugs in various settings. Cocaine,
in particular, is widely recognised as a sociable party drug. Some individuals
reported using this substance in this context ie out socialising in pubs and
clubs with other peers. In contrast, the majority of participants engaged in the
project used stimulant drugs on their own, in isolation. One of the participants
(Case Study A) used cocaine as a coping strategy to try and balance other areas
of her life that were incredibly stressful ie family demands and work. Another
participant felt isolated and lonely and used cocaine in his bedroom whilst his
parents were in other parts of the home, unaware. Another participant used
cocaine in isolation to try and block out memories of painful events in the past.
There were other participants who did not want to disclose to family and friends
they had relapsed. As a result they self-isolated at home, using stimulant drugs
and avoiding any contact.