New substance use programmes designed for individuals looking to explore their relationship with drugs and/or alcohol
Developed in conjunction with Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust and the Criminal Justice System to manage drug use in the UK
The clinically proven programmes are in trial in the UK and available for purchase
Leading iCBT provider, SilverCloud Health, is pleased to announce its new substance use programmes, Space from Drug Use and Space from Alcohol, aimed at individuals who might need to assess their relationship with substances.
In 2020/21, there were around 210,000 drug offences recorded by the police in England and Wales[1]. Developed with Inclusion (Drug & Alcohol Service), within Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, as an initiative to divert the way their Criminal Justice System manages individual drug use, SilverCloud Health’s substance use programmes will be part of a wider course that individuals can complete to avoid cautions or court time.
“We are proud to have collaborated with Inclusion to build these much-needed programmes,” said Douglas Hiscock, Product Lead at SilverCloud Health, “substance use figures have grown exponentially since the start of the pandemic, so with the help of SilverCloud Health’s iCBT tools, more individuals will be able to access support, quickly, remotely and discreetly, before substance abuse spirals.”
The programmes harness MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and contain a range of modules that work to break down barriers for individuals that may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to take the first step.
Substance use figures are a growing concern in the UK. It was estimated that over 3 million people used a drug in 2020 alone[2], and there are currently over 600,000 alcohol dependent drinkers, with 83% of those not seeking treatment[3]. What can often be passed off as ‘British drinking culture’ may mask a deeper problem for these individuals, with many people not aware that their usage is reaching dangerous levels.
Services currently piloting these programmes
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust – The programmes are currently in pilot with Torbay Drug and Alcohol Service, with results of the outcome and clinical case studies expected in September 2022.
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – Space from Drug Use has been added for Inclusion (Drug and Alcohol Service) within the trust and currently has a 100% user satisfaction rate.
Customer testimonial
Matthew Smith, Specialist Psychosocial Trainer & Practitioner/Recovery Coordinator Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, says: “We have been delighted to add the SilverCloud programmes Space from Alcohol Use and Space from Drugs Use to the range of Drug and Alcohol treatment interventions that we offer. The programmes are great at helping people decide if their use is becoming problematic, as well as addressing how they might start to make changes. The programmes are accessible at any time so people can continue to work on their recovery at a time that suits them best. The programmes are full of detailed information about different substances; their affects both physically and mentally; how to start to reduce use or stop completely, as well as presenting techniques to reduce the harmful effects of using…all of this is brought to life by realistic stories from people with varying degrees of concern about their drug or alcohol use. Great work SilverCloud!”
Programme Information
The programmes are suitable for individuals, aged 18+, who are looking to explore their relationship with substances but are not at crisis point. In working through these programmes, individuals can expect to learn about the harms of substance use and are provided with tools they can utilise to reduce their usage.
Space from Drug Use and Space from Alcohol include modules such as: Drugs and You, Alcohol and You, Considering Change, Reducing Harm, Triggers & High-Risk Situations, Moving Forward.
To learn more about the programmes, schedule a demo or to enquire about purchasing, please click here.
References:
1 – UK Parliament. 2022. Drug crime: Statistics for England and Wales. [online] Available at: <https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9039/#:~:text=Recorded%20crime,directly%20comparable%20with%20previous%20years.> [Accessed 8 June 2022].
2 – Ons.gov.uk. 2022. Drug misuse in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics. [online] Available at: <https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020#overall-trends-in-drug-misuse> [Accessed 8 June 2022].
3 – Alcohol Change UK. 2022. Alcohol statistics | Alcohol Change UK. [online] Available at: <https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics> [Accessed 8 June 2022].