A qualitative study of benzodiazepine/z-drug and opioid co-use patterns and overdose risk.

Background: Co-use of benzodiazepines and/or 'z-drugs' along with opioids is linked to the rise in drug related deaths (DRD) in the UK. Understanding patterns of co-use could inform harm reduction strategies for reducing DRDs. This study explored how people co-use, including dosages, timings, methods of administration, use of other substances and desired effects sought.

A Qualitative Exploration of Peer Supporters' Experiences of Undertaking a Co-Produced Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Training Programme.

Introduction: Peer supporters play a crucial role in mental health and support services, but their own mental health and emotional well-being are often neglected by themselves, and, frequently, their organisations. Here, we report findings from a qualitative interview study of peer supporters who completed a co-produced emotional well-being training programme.

Method: Ten semi-structured interviews with peer supporters working in the North East of England were conducted to explore their experiences of the training programme.

Co-located Heroin Assisted Treatment within primary care: A preliminary analysis of the implications for healthcare access, cost, and treatment delivery in the UK.

Background: The UK is experiencing its highest rate of drug related deaths in 25 years. Poor and inconsistent access to healthcare negatively impacts health outcomes for people who use drugs. Innovation in models of care which promote access and availability of physical treatment is fundamental.

Peer supporters' mental health and emotional wellbeing needs: Key factors and opportunities for co-produced training.

Introduction: Peer supporters are a valuable asset to mental health and support services, but their own mental health needs are often overlooked in research and practice. This study explored peer supporters' perceived challenges of maintaining their mental health and emotional wellbeing and co-produced training needs.

Methods: A qualitative approach was used to explore factors affecting peer supporters' mental health and emotional wellbeing.

'This is hardcore': a qualitative study exploring service users' experiences of Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) in Middlesbrough, England.

Background: Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) is well evidenced internationally to improve health and social outcomes for people dependent on opioids who have not been helped by traditional treatment options. Despite this evidence base, England has been slow to implement HAT. The first service outside of a trial setting opened in 2019, providing twice-daily supervised injections of medical-grade heroin (diamorphine) to a select sample of high-risk heroin users in Middlesbrough.

More than just 'free heroin': Caring whilst navigating constraint in the delivery of diamorphine assisted treatment.

Background: In 2020, drug related deaths in the United Kingdom (UK) reached the highest rate in over 25 years, with hospitalisations and deaths particularly impacting people who use illicit opioids such as heroin. Treatment systems are increasingly required to be innovative to engage the most vulnerable at risk from premature morbidity and mortality. Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT) is an alternative treatment modality for people for whom more traditional forms of opioid substitution therapy, such as methadone, have been ineffective.

What psychological interventions are effective for the management of persistent physical symptoms (PPS)? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Presentation of persistent physical symptoms is associated with increased health care utilization, yet clinical outcomes often remain suboptimal. This systematic review aimed to determine whether psychological interventions are effective for the management of PPS and if so, what are the features of the interventions and at what level of care are they delivered. The review also set out to establish which symptoms in those diagnosed with PPS can be effectively managed with psychological intervention.