The experiences of detection of minor drug offences for people with mental health concerns: A qualitative study

Abstract

There is a strong and complex relationship between drug use disorders and mental health and people arrested for minor drug offences are no exception. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of detection for minor drug offences among people reporting mental health problems. Eighty-seven adults who had been detected for a minor drug offence in Victoria, Australia, were recruited via social media advertisements, and outreach to community health and legal services. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data regarding participant experiences. Data was analysed by a team using template analysis. Three themes were identified in relation to participants' experiences of minor drug offences and the impact of the detection on their mental health: (1) "I did have a lot going on in my personal life": Intersecting challenges shaping pathways to drug use and detection; (2) "I just have this constant anxiety lingering over me": From detection to cascading harm; and, (3) "It's just you against the system and it's not really helpful": Mechanisms for support to address underlying systemic problems. For many, their mental health and life circumstances shaped not only how they experienced the detection, but also the lasting impacts on their mental health, relationships, and social factors including housing. Detection marked the beginning or escalation of a cascade of adverse events for some participants, triggering distress or re-traumatisation. Participants identified several potential improvements and alternative pathways to the current approach to minor drug offences in Victoria.