Supporting adults bereaved through substance use with the 5-Step method: an exploratory study

Abstract

While substance-related deaths across the United Kingdom are of continued concern, insufficient support is given to those who are bereaved, despite evidence that this is a particular bereavement requiring a specific response. This small study aimed to test the potential for an adapted version of an existing intervention, the 5-Step Method, within a substance misuse treatment service. It was possible to adapt the 5-Step Method for adults bereaved by substance use; 11 practitioners were recruited and trained to use the intervention; the Family Bereavement Support Service (FBSS) was established within the organization to deliver the adapted intervention; and four practitioners used the adapted intervention with six bereaved adults. Practitioners and family members recognized the potential for, and positive impact of, a structured yet flexible intervention to adults bereaved through substance use. The findings are encouraging but it was a small study, so caution is needed when interpreting the findings and further research is needed. Nevertheless, it is hoped that this project will trigger an increase in much needed support for adults bereaved through substance use, an area which has received insufficient consideration relative to the attention given to substance-related deaths and their increasing prevalence.

Keywords:

• bereavement
• substance misuse
• families
• 5-Step Method

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Aquarius Action Projects (particularly Annette Fleming, Richard McVey, Vanessa Miles, Nicola Browett, and formerly Mark Richards) for their support in piloting this version of the 5-Step Method for the first time; the staff at Aquarius who were involved with the study, and the family members who shared their experiences as part of the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 See also https://www.gov.scot/groups/drug-deaths-task-force/ (accessed 3 October 2019).

2 In one case, the researcher was not able to meet the family member because of their personal circumstances. Instead, the practitioner and a colleague met with the family member and asked them some of interview questions. Notes were taken and shared with the researcher (with the family member’s consent).

Additional information

Funding

The author would like to thank Alcohol Change UK for funding the study.