Non-pharmacological treatment interventions in UK drug and alcohol services: an exploratory study

Background: The current provision of non-pharmacological interventions in UK drug and alcohol services varies from service to service. Aim: This study explores the types of non-pharmacological treatment interventions for people with substance use dependence within UK drug and alcohol services.

Method: A structured questionnaire was distributed to UK drug and alcohol services. Data recording and analysis were conducted in Qualtrics Core XM.

Results: A total of 115 services participated in the study, of which 93 provide drug and alcohol treatment and are included in the analysis. Key worker support 84.94% and talking therapies 83.87% are the most reported non-pharmacological interventions. Access to creative arts provision as therapy or as an activity is also widely used by 51.61% of included services.

Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions are currently provided by UK services as a way of treating people who use substances. The service providers consider creative arts interventions to positively impact motivation for recovery and report improvement in recovery rates because of inclusion in treatment programmes.