A Multi-Method Evaluation of a Substance Misuse Program in a Medium Secure Forensic Mental Health Unit

Evidence suggests a complex relationship between substance misuse, mental health, and violence in forensic populations, however, the majority of existing research and interventions focus on these factors individually. This paper reports an evaluation of the first module of an integrated poly-substance misuse group delivered within a medium secure mental health hospital, which was designed to address these factors collectively. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to assess participant's subjective views of the program and to gather pre and post quantitative measurement of change. The concordance between self report and observer reports was explored. Recommendations for the development of the treatment and for further evaluation and research are discussed.