“They walked in and walked straight out of adult treatment”: creating tailored drug outreach and service provision for young adults in England
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In England and Wales, drug use and related harms among young adults aged 18-25 remain high. They are neglected in existing service provision. Drawing on evaluation findings of a multi-component drug outreach service in England and informed by the concept of 'emerging adulthood', this paper explores the possibilities for the development of bespoke interventions for young adults. METHODS: This paper draws on semi-structured interviews (n=19) conducted with managers and practitioners within the outreach service, regional leads for young people's services, and strategic stakeholders in public health, police and education. RESULTS: The co-produced outreach model was found to be agile, innovative and responsive to local drug trends. It was able to reach groups vulnerable to drug-related harms, by employing a different conceptualisation of 'harm reduction' centered on safety. Outreach interactions were limited in scope at some transition points to adulthood, with contact often lost when individuals reached age 18. Onward referral for those who need more intensive interventions was often difficult from ad hoc interactions, and existing adult treatment services were deemed unsuitable for young adult needs. CONCLUSION: Emerging adults aged 18-25 are a diverse group with distinct substance use profiles. Outreach activities are effective for education, harm reduction messaging, and signposting for further support. However, there is a need for the development of bespoke young adult service provision with skilled, specialist staff who can help young adults navigate these transitions without harm.
Authors: Karen Duke, Zoë Welch
Institutions: Middlesex University London, Change Grow Live
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,350
OpenAlex ID: W7130369722