The experiences of individuals with ID referred to addictions services
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Opinions and Experiences of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Referred to Addictions Services for Alcohol Misuse in Scotland: A Qualitative Exploration.
IRAS ID
328870
Contact name
Owen Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Alcohol is the most misused substance by people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). However, people with a known diagnosis of ID often engage poorly with treatment through addictions services. Little is known, from the perspective of the individuals themselves, about why people with ID misuse alcohol, and why they often don’t accept support that is offered to help them.
This study aims to interview people with ID who also misuse alcohol, both about why they use alcohol and their experiences of NHS substance misuse services.
Adults with a diagnosis of mild-borderline ID who have been referred to NHS addictions services for alcohol misuse will be provided details of the study and offered the chance to participate. Those taking part will complete a short interview exploring why they use alcohol and what their experiences of addictions services have been.
The interviews will be recorded and transcribed by the chief investigator. The anonymous interview data will be looked at individually by the chief investigator, who will identify patterned /themed responses within the dataset.
The findings will be shared with the people who took part, along with relevant clinical services. The results will also be submitted for publication in relevant academic journals.
This study should help services to better understand the needs of people with ID who misuse alcohol, particularly why they use alcohol and what they need from services to help them engage better with treatment, whilst giving voice to those with ID.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
23/WS/0156
Date of REC Opinion
11 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion