Page 3 - MELD Stimulant service

Executive summary

BACKGROUND

Drug related death rates have increased in Scotland. In 2020, 1339 deaths were
recorded with 93% poly drug use implicated and 459 cocaine related deaths.
In response to the rising trend of stimulant drug related deaths, MELD explored
other interventions that would support individuals referring to service, reporting
stimulant drug use. MELD was awarded funding from the Corra Foundation in 2021
to offer complementary therapies alongside other traditional service interventions.
The project commenced in September 2022.

PROJECT AIMS PROJECT OUTCOMES
• Engage stimulant drug users who were • High engagement:
currently using these substances, or had 20 participants recruited with a dropout rate
past lived experience, including poly of 2. A total of 18 participants completed
drug use. 5-8 weekly treatments
• Encourage higher female participation; • High Female Attendance:
in particular MELD receive lower female 11 females and 7 males, unlike many
referrals in comparison to males. treatment services where the people using
the service are traditionally men.
• Explore reasons for any past non-
engagement to reduce barriers and retain • Focus Groups:
these individuals in service. A Experiences and barriers for females
• Offer a range of complementary therapy engaging in recovery services
choices alongside our traditional one to Barriers to engagement.
one services or as a standalone option.
Therapies offered: Aromatherapy Massage, B Experiences of family support members
supporting loved ones
Indian Head Massage, Reiki and Auricular Barriers for family support engagement
Acupuncture.
including knowledge of services and
• Offer peer support intervention alongside substances.
weekly complementary therapy sessions
and identify any other appropriate support,
including signposting.
• Evaluate complementary therapies to
record any changes in key areas including
substance use, lifestyle, relationships,
general wellbeing and mental health.
• Offer two focus groups. 1. Family members
affected by a loved one’s drug use and
2. Barriers faced by female stimulant
drug users accessing ‘traditional’
recovery services.