Changing the Script: An accessible leaflet for people choosing opioid substitution treatment
Recovery from addiction is central to the solutions, and whole system approaches, for people trapped in the cycle of crisis and crime. Through research, and listening to our members, we have heard of the challenges the revolving door group face in accessing drug treatment services. A clear message from recent research was that their experience of drug and alcohol treatment services has been too focused on the clinical intervention, rather than focusing on the psychological and emotional needs of the person. Assessment processes can re-traumatise and that non-engagement can be a form of protection.
However, there are numerous examples, especially from the Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO) movement of brilliant services built on relationships, mutual aid and peer support. At Revolving Doors, there has been a shift recently of more of our projects focusing on drug treatment. We use coproduction to design services and systems that are accessible and effective for those trapped in crisis and repeat offending. We have a lived experience team working with the Drug Strategy Team in Department of Health & Social Care, launched a service design project to ‘Reimagine Recovery’ in the justice system (this will engage people with lived experience and stakeholders across the system to publish the new vision). Reimagining drug treatment is also a central part of our work supporting the Whole System Approach to Diversion in Greater Manchester.
Different options for opioid substitution treatment
Whilst our lived experience members emphasise the importance of relationships and community in their recovery journeys; medication still has a role to play. When I began working in the sector it appeared that methadone was the only option for opioid substitution treatment. There are now numerous additional options – Subutex, Espranor and Buvidal. Whilst this provides more choice there is also the risk of confusion and challenges in finding the best personal option.
Late last year we were approached by Russell Webster to partner in a project to create an accessible leaflet to support people to make informed choices on their opioid substitution treatment options. The theme of the project was, ‘Changing the Script’.
We convened a group of six of our members to work with Russell. Collectively, the group had extensive experience of being prescribed all forms of opioid substitution treatment as part of their recovery.
A co-produced project reflecting on recovery
“I really enjoyed bouncing ideas around and thinking about what would actually catch people’s attention and feel relatable to them. It was really nice to be creative with a group of people with a rich mix of lived experience and come up with themes and ideas together”. (Lived Experience Member)
My role was facilitating the discussions. I found that the level of detailed knowledge and insight was incredible. Russell’s challenge was capturing the essence of these discussions in a concise, accessible leaflet. The lived experience members had complete editorial control – it’s their leaflet and voice – and we went through numerous edits before they signed it off.
“Russell offered keen and astute observations to the project. He had a monumental task on his hands, gathering so many insights and then collating them into something really useful”. (Lived Experience Member)
Across nine meetings the group reflected on their own experiences of recovery and treatment. They identified the key messages they wanted to communicate. Initial drafts were too long as there was so much the group wanted to say, but they understood for the leaflet to have impact it had to be concise. They didn’t want this to be a leaflet that sat untouched on shelves – the aim was for it to spark conversations that enable people to have informed choices.
“I want the leaflet to reach the people who would benefit most from learning more … I really hope it will give people the necessary information, provide clarity and aid its readers in making an informed decision”. (Lived Experience Member)
“I hope that the leaflet travels long and far and is distributed to as many drug services, police stations, courts, probation and prisons; to carry a message of HOPE, that we do recover”. (Lived Experience Member)
An accessible design and approach
After numerous iterations, continually fine tuning the wording, the members signed off the text. The next stage was the design, again simplicity and accessibility were the aim. We wanted a final version that was easy for services to print off and worked well in black and white.
I learned a lot through this process. My takeaway reflection is that whilst people need choice to find their preferred treatment option, there is no ‘magic wand’, and that clinical treatment must always be alongside relationship based social support. Recovery happens through trusted relationships and community.
“Building support networks and forming healthy social relationships whilst in recovery is vital! Not only is it where people can find encouragement throughout their journey, it can also provide them with motivation, a source of guidance from peers and emotional reinforcement”. (Lived Experience Member)
If you are working in a service that supports people to make accessible and informed choices as a part of their recovery journey, and would like us to send you the leaflet – please email: andy.williams@revolving-doors.org.uk
