Help-seeking for substance use and mental health challenges among justice-involved people in Scottish community contexts: An analysis of the influence of social networks

Context: Justice-involved people (people sentenced for a crime) are much more likely to have substance use (drugs and alcohol) and mental health problems than the general population. However, many describe challenges in accessing support, or don't ask for help. Not seeking help contributes to poor quality of life, high emergency care use, and, ultimately, elevated rates of substance use-related deaths and suicide.

In this study we use mixed methods Social Network Analysis to explore what influences help-seeking for substance use and mental health among justice-involved people. Instead of focusing only on individuals, we move to examining the influence of people's social networks, embedded in local contexts and cultures.

We will develop recommendations for policy and practice through research with people with lived/living/policy/practice experience - aiming to improve access to substance use and mental health services among justice-involved people.