Club drug users’ problems and motivation to access a club drug clinic
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Problems experienced by help-seeking club drug users and motivation to access a club drug clinic
IRAS ID
116829
Contact name
D Raistrick
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds and York Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
‘Club drugs’ is the term given to substances typically used by people in bars, nightclubs, at concerts and parties (National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse 2012). Substances include mephedrone, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma butyrolactone (GBL), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA) and ecstasy, ketamine, cocaine, novel psychoactive substances, hallucinogens and cannabis.
Club drug use is associated with various problems and dependence in some users; nationally there has been an increase in help-seekers (National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse 2012). Rates of club drug use and dependence suggests only a fraction of those who would benefit from support reach services, as is the case with treatment services for other drug and alcohol problems (Tsogia, Copello and Orford 2001).
There is limited research exploring the psychosocial problems experienced by treatment seeking club drug users, and how these relate to motivation to access services. This study will explore psychosocial and urological problems experienced by help-seeking club drug users, and their motivation to access treatment. Increased understanding will support practitioners to engage more people in treatment and better meet their needs. This will have gains for individuals and wider society.
Service users of Leeds Club Drug Clinic, a specialist clinic for club drug users, who meet the eligibility criteria, will be invited to participate in the study. The club drug clinical team will use questionnaires and a structured interview to measure demographics, drug use, dependence and problems experienced, taking around 30 minutes. The first 15 participants to consent to also discuss their motivation to access the service will also be included in a 30 minute semi-structured interview.
NATIONAL TREATMENT AGENCY FOR SUBSTANCE MISUSE (2012). Club drugs emerging risks and trends. London, National Treatment Agency.
TSOGIA, D., COPELLO, A. and ORFORD, J. (2001). Entering treatment for substance misuse: a review of the literature. Journal of mental health, 10(5), 481-499.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0146
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion