‘Trapped in Treatment’ – Applying a public sector equality and human rights duty approach to the human rights and equality issues identified by Service Users of Drug Treatment services in the North East Inner City (NEIC)

New research into service users’ experiences of drug treatment services in the NEIC Dublin was launched in the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission by ICON, SURIA and CAN.

‘Trapped in Treatment’ – Applying a public sector equality and human rights duty approach to the human rights and equality issues identified by Service Users of Drug Treatment services in the North East Inner City (NEIC) details the process and findings of a collaborative peer led research programme.

KEY FINDINGS

• 77% of service users are aged between 36-55
• 56% of service users are in treatment over 16 years
• 87% have never been offered an alternative to methadone
• 88% feel they have been treated differently due to being in treatment and/or addiction
• 88% have never been asked their opinion on services
• 48% are still required to give weekly urinalysis

‘It’s like I am chained to my clinic’

‘I can’t get a job because I have to go to the clinic every day except Christmas when its closed.

The moment people know, they come undermining and dismissive of my view.

‘..that we wouldn’t be left on methadone for our lives’

Cecilia Forrester of CAN says ‘Working directly with service users to identify their human rights and equality issues and monitor progress over time has facilitated their voice to be heard and validated. In doing so, it recognises the value the unique knowledge and experience of lived experience and the power it has to bring perspective and expertise to the design and delivery of services that are both appropriate and based on respect and rights.’

Paula Kearney of SURIA says ‘36% of those we surveyed were homeless, creating an additional burden on service users as they have to navigate both the addiction and homeless services. If other treatments such as Buivdal were an automatic option, people would have more flexibility to work on personal growth, particularly for women. It could enable them to access education, work, housing without having to be so open to potential employers. It would prevent attending clinics from being a part of daily life as for many, that’s there the triggers are.’

Siân Muldowney of ICON says ‘this research allowed us to facilitate service users to communicate their lived experiences and to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives from a rights based perspective. The onus is now on the HSE and public bodies to address the experiences of the service users and promote positive actions to fulfil their responsibilities and act on non-compliance of the Public Sector Duty.’

Tuesday February 27th 1pm – 5pm, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, DO7CR20