2482 - GROUPS FOR BELONGING: A NOVEL LONELINESS INTERVENTION FOR PEOPLE ATTENDING TREATMENT FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS 

Session: D08S0010 - Clinical Health Psychology & Healthcare Systems 1
AUTHORS:
Ingram Isabella (School of Psychology, University of Wollongong ~ Wollongong ~ Australia) , Dingle Genevieve (School of Psychology, University of Queensland ~ Brisbane ~ Australia) , Larance Briony (School of Psychology, University of Wollongong ~ Wollongong ~ Australia) , Baker Amanda (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Deane Frank (School of Psychology, University of Wollongong ~ Wollongong ~ Australia) , Robinaon Laura (School of Psychology, University of Wollongong ~ Wollongong ~ Australia) , Beck Alison (School of Psychology, University of Wollongong ~ Wollongong ~ Australia) , Coleman Elle (School of Psychology, University of Wollongong ~ Wollongong ~ Australia) , Degan Tayla (School of Psychology, University of Wollongong ~ Wollongong ~ Australia) , Kelly Peter (School of Psychology, University of Wollongong ~ Wollongong ~ Australia)
Abstract text:
Introduction: Loneliness is detrimental to physical and mental health and is now considered a major public health concern by the World Health Organization. People with substance use disorder experience high rates of loneliness. An Australian study found that people with substance use disorders were seven times lonelier than the general population and were five times more likely to deem loneliness a serious concern.
Purpose: This presentation details a series of studies, led by a clinical psychologist and early-career researcher, that address loneliness among people with substance use disorder. These studies led to the development of Groups for Belonging, a 6-session (12-hour) group-based therapeutic intervention that addresses loneliness. The presentation also details a current Nation-wide trial of Groups for Belonging for people accessing treatment for substance use disorder that is being funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
Method: Participants in the trial are attending community based or residential alcohol and other drug treatment services across Australia. The trial is being conducted as a parallel cluster randomised controlled trial involving 26 clusters (13 treatment, 13 control, N = 520), with randomisation occurring at the service level. Participants will complete either treatment as usual (i.e., treatment for substance use provided by participating services) or Groups for Belonging + treatment as usual.
Results: The intervention is theory and consumer informed, and a pilot study revealed high satisfaction with the intervention, and feasibility to deliver the intervention in treatment settings.
Conclusions: This project aims to determine the effectiveness of a loneliness intervention for people accessing treatment for substance use disorders. The intervention adopts elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to address key barriers to belonging. The research has potential to influence the treatment sector and improve belonging for a population that experiences high rates of loneliness.