Exploring changes to family support for those affected by someone else’s drug use since the introduction of the Scottish Government’s National Drug Deaths Mission (Supporting Evidence)

Perkins, Andy, Dumbrell, Josh, Livingston, Wulf, McCluskey, Sophie, Schofield, Joe and Steele, Sam (2026) Exploring changes to family support for those affected by someone else’s drug use since the introduction of the Scottish Government’s National Drug Deaths Mission (Supporting Evidence). [Report]

Text WURO_Perkins et al 2026 Famalies, National Drug Mission PHS supp evidence .pdf - Published Version Download (1MB)

Abstract

Appendix A – Research methods This study comprised five overlapping work packages (WPs) using mixed methods to address the research questions in the table below. WPs 1 and 3 used primary quantitative online surveys. WPs 2 and 4 used qualitative interviews and focus groups respectively. WP5 comprised two bespoke focus groups with young carers. Appendix B – Family member, loved one, and family support characteristics (WP1 and WP2) This section provides an overview of who took part in the survey and the characteristics of respondents and their families. It includes information on survey completion, respondents’ demographic profiles, their relationship to a loved one using drugs, and the living arrangements of loved ones at the time of participation. Appendix C – Data from a survey of people affected by a loved one’s drug use on their perceptions and experiences of family support services (WP1) Appendix C presents detailed findings from the survey of family members and friends affected by a loved one’s drug use. It provides full data tables and figures on perceptions and experiences of family support services across Scotland. The results highlight reported changes in accessibility, availability, and quality of support since 2021, explore factors contributing to improvements and gaps, and set out views on unmet needs. Together, these data complement the main report by offering a comprehensive evidence base on service use, satisfaction, and priorities for development. Appendix D – Alternative data examples WP1 received a disproportionately large response from North Lanarkshire family members (n=53, 27% of WP1 respondents). Whilst much of the data aligns with national patterns, in the following responses the North Lanarkshire responses skewed the findings. • Higher prevalence of stimulant use amongst loved ones. • Lower awareness and engagement with family support services. • Greater feelings of shame and guilt, alongside a stronger tendency to manage issues privately. The following tables present examples of these differences, with the significant areas of difference highlighted in yellow. In all the following tables: NLAN = North Lanarkshire; and RoS = Rest of Scotland. Appendix E – Qualitative themes and examples from a set of interviews with affected family members (WP2) This appendix provides a selection of additional qualitative data examples (quotes) that illustrate the main themes that have emerged from a combination of the open-text boxes contained within the family members survey (WP1) and from the 27 interviews conducted with family members (WP2). We have chosen a small number of additional quotes per theme to demonstrate the richness of the data and to provide evidence of the breadth of data that has been combined when identifying themes. Appendix F – Family support provider sample characteristics (WP3 and WP4) WP3 – Survey respondent characteristics This section provides an overview of the support providers who took part in the survey (n=66) and their key characteristics. It includes information on survey completion, respondents’ roles and length of involvement in FSSs, and organisations they represent. Appendix G – Data from a survey of paid and voluntary staff delivering family support services to people affected by a loved one’s drug use (WP3) Appendix G presents detailed findings from the survey of paid staff and volunteers delivering family support services. It provides data on their perceptions of accessibility, availability, and quality of support since 2021, factors contributing to improvements and gaps, and views on capacity, resources, and training. The appendix also explores provider perspectives on the National Mission and its impact on family-inclusive practice. Appendix H – Qualitative themes and examples from family support providers This appendix provides a selection of additional qualitative data examples (quotes) that illustrate the main themes that have emerged from a combination of the open-text boxes contained within the family support providers survey (WP3) and from the three focus groups conducted with family support providers (WP4). We have chosen a small number of additional quotes per theme to demonstrate the richness of the data and to provide evidence of the breadth of data that has been combined when identifying themes.

Item Type:	Report
Keywords:	Accessibility, Availability, Awareness, Capacity, Challenges, Drug Use, Family Inclusive Practice, Family Members, Family Support Providers, Gaps, Improvements, Informed, Interest, Perceptions, Preference, Quality, Substance Use, Whole Family Approaches.
Divisions:	Social and Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Hayley Dennis
Date Deposited:	25 Mar 2026 13:06
Last Modified:	25 Mar 2026 13:06
URI:	https://wrexham.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18424

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