Breaking Free Online outcomes in prisons V 05
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A parallel-group comparison of the 8-week Breaking Free Online treatment programme, as adjunct to standard treatment for substance misuse, in criminal justice settings.
IRAS ID
231120
Contact name
Sarah Elison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Breaking Free Online Limited
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
Given the high rates of drug and alcohol misuse among individuals engaged in the criminal justice system, the principle aim for this study is to evaluate effectiveness of a novel substance misuse intervention within prison settings. Traditional ‘standard treatment’ may not always allow prisoners to access the most well evidenced cognitive-behavioural change techniques that may best support them to overcome their substance misuse and any of the associated mental health difficulties commonly found in this clinical group. The new intervention included in this study is computer assisted therapy (CAT) programme for substance misuse, Breaking Free Online. Effectiveness of this new intervention as an adjunct to standard treatment is evaluated via a randomised controlled trial (RCT) methodology with two groups; i) Breaking Free Online plus standard treatment, and ii) standard treatment only. Each group engages with treatment for 8 weeks to measure substance use and standardised psychometric assessment of substance dependence, mental health and quality of life being done at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3 and 6 month follow-up. The opportunity to determine the effectiveness of the two Breaking Free interventions with this population, and any possible impact on mental health and other psychosocial outcomes, may support the implementation of these treatment approaches in criminal justice settings across the UK.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0422
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion