The exploration of an ‘ex-service user’ led project for recovery from alcohol addiction

Tom completed his PhD in Health Sciences at the University of York in 2013. His thesis was a qualitative, ethnographic exploration of a service user group that aimed to provide aftercare for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction in the city of Leeds. Upon the completion of his PhD, Tom undertook a service evaluation of a 12-step based, day treatment programme in the city of York. Using the qualitative skills and understanding he gained during his PhD, Tom conducted qualitative interviews with service users as they progressed through the programme, as well as conducting in depth interviews with staff and referring agencies to the service.

Tom is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the National Addiction Centre, King’s College London. His current research is working with Dr Jo Neale, Professor Ed Day and Colin Drummond on an Alcohol Research UK funded project that is aimed at exploring alcohol frequent attenders at accident and emergency departments in London. The first stage of the research was to complete in depth interviews with thirty identified alcohol frequent attenders at various A&E departments in and around London. Stage two of the research involved six focus groups with staff and clinicians that come into regular contact with AFAs. These were conducted at six different sites across England. The scheduled completion of this research is December 2015. Tom intends to apply for a 3-year postdoctoral fellowship to continue his work with alcohol frequent attenders.