The use of drug detection (sniffer) dogs in psychiatric settings divides opinion among clinicians and service users alike. This paper provides an overview of the use of these dogs within a Medium Secure Unit (MSU). The approach described seeks to challenge preconceptions and suggests that dog searching should be one component of a wider therapeutic approach to working with patients with co‐existing mental health and substance misuse problems.
The paper reflects on ten years' experience of using drug detection dogs in MSUs.
A model is presented to promote a more therapeutic and recovery‐orientated use of dogs. This incorporates: using readily accessible dogs; carrying out proactive, rather than reactive, searches; operating in an informal and relaxed manner; being motivated by the information gained rather than the drugs found; responding differently to suppliers/dealers and users; and aiming to build therapeutic relationships with patients.
A scale is presented which categorises the severity of substance misuse within a service. Drug dogs can be used therapeutically on psychiatric wards to promote a drug‐free environment, but this practice should form part of a wider strategy to promote recovery. Investment in proactive searching may produce reductions in substance misuse.
The paper will be of value to clinicians and service/security managers involved in the management of substance misuse on inpatient wards (particularly MSUs) where there is a drive to integrate drug detection dogs within a recovery‐oriented framework.
