Evaluation of an integrated substance use and trauma stabilisation group intervention as part of substance use addiction recovery

There is high comorbidity between psychological trauma and substance use difficulties (SUD), the treatment of which presents a challenge to current service structures. Research evidence and policy advocates for integrated treatments. This paper reports an evaluation of an integrated SUD and trauma stabilisation group intervention (i-SUD-TS-GI), developed and delivered within a drug and alcohol service. The evaluation aimed to investigate whether this intervention was feasible, acceptable and effective in reducing SUD and trauma symptomatology, and whether such an intervention could be delivered by non-psychologist staff. The intervention was trialled twice. Measures of trauma symptoms, recovery from SUD and psychological distress were captured at the start and end, then at six month follow-up. Participants were invited to attend a focus group to feed back their experiences at six month follow-up. Eight participants completed the intervention. Given the limited sample size, statistical conclusions cannot be drawn regarding effectiveness of the intervention, however, trends in the data show desired outcomes in SUD and trauma symptoms. Analysis of focus group data produced themes of perceptions of safety and security, the journey to healing, the development of compassion, a life changing experience, and challenges to efficacy and experience. In relation to this last theme, a key factor was the high rate of drop-out from the intervention. The findings suggest that an i-SUD-TR-GI was feasible and acceptable. Sample size limits statistical conclusions about effectiveness, however, trends in the data are promising. Together, findings show the perceived value of running an i-SUD-TR-GI and the direct input of practitioner psychologists as part of this.