City Research Online

Abstract

Research shows that university students are at elevated risk of experimenting with drugs and the myriad of negative health, behavioural, and social consequences associated with this. Universities can make a difference in this crucial period of time, making the development of effective university drug prevention and intervention paramount. University of Bristol has recognised this, adopting a harm reduction approach to student drug use five years ago and taking the lead in university harm reduction. Since then, there have been calls for other UK universities to adopt a harm reduction approach. This study used reflexive thematic analysis to understand what the barriers and facilitators to adopting this approach have been. Nine stakeholders and staff involved in the implementation of the approach, as well as four students on the receiving end of it, were interviewed. The interviews were semi-structured and lasted approximately one hour. From the analysis 5 main themes emerged: (1) Staff and students’ lack of awareness of the approach impacts delivery and reduces engagement, (2) “A hangover” of zero-tolerance policies, within the university and society, slows the process and negatively impacts engagement with the approach, (3) Students’ fear about academic/legal consequences of drug use disclosure reduces engagement, and stigma around drug use hinders openness about drug use, (4) Drugs science and testing captures student interest, but lack of accessibility to the testing kits reduces engagement with this initiative, and (5) Bristol’s city-wide harm reduction approach, positive press, and widespread investment/collaboration within the university facilitates implementation of the approach. Harm reduction aligns with the values of counselling psychology and the findings have implications for university drug policy, as well as working with students needing support with drug use. Key recommendations for universities adopting harm reduction approaches are to provide clear, consistent and student tailored communication, tackle stigma, deliver staff training, ensure ease of access to harm reduction initiatives and collaborate effectively both internally and with external organisations.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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