Exploration of Youth Drug and Alcohol Users' Experiences Accessing Mental Health Support in Swindon

This research was carried out by Ryan Herbert, as part of an MSc Global and Public Health Policy degree at the University of Bath.

Key findings

• Young individuals often use substances as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
• This behaviour complicates access to mental health services, as many providers exhibit reluctance to engage with those actively using substances, even when they express a desire for change.
• This service gap perpetuates a cycle of deteriorating mental health and substance misuse, leaving young people feeling unsupported and isolated.
• The fragmentation between mental health and substance misuse services exacerbates these challenges, as neither system fully addresses co-occurring disorders, delaying timely, and effective treatment.
• This study highlights the urgent need for integrated services that concurrently address both mental health and substance misuse.

Participants advocated for a collaborative, trauma-informed approach that can address these interconnected issues effectively. Interpersonal relationships also play a critical role in young people's willingness to seek mental health support and substance use behaviour.

- Exploration of Youth Drug and Alcohol Users' Experiences Accessing Mental Health Support in Swindon