Title: Reducing overdose and overdose deaths in Ireland: Understanding the options and how are they perceived. 

This is a PhD that seeks to identify how the intersection of public policy, attitudes and stigma impact policy initiatives to reduce overdose. The project will use an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating health psychology, sociology, social psychology, and public health. The research will have a direct impact on those dealing with mental health and drug addiction locally in Ireland and internationally.

The PhD will use mixed methods. The first empirical study will use a survey to identify the association between public attitudes towards drug overdose, public policy interventions that seek to reduce them, and stigma in Ireland. The second study will use a qualitative approach to further identify how the three factors relate through interviews with various stakeholders. The last study will explore the specific experiences and views on overdose prevention, policy and stigma from a service user perspective in order to inform policymakers in their decision regarding interventions to reduce overdose.

Academic background

Nicole Miller is a member of the Ulster Social Justice and Substance use Research Group. She completed her MSc in Health Psychology at the University of Westminster in 2018.  Upon completion of her MSc she was awarded a PhD opportunity at the University of Ulster in 2019. Her research and clinical work with survivors of multiple opioid overdose informs the project and provides a clinically informed approach to the joint research endeavors of the team.

 Clinical work

 Nicole has international experience in clinical work in addiction. Her training in addiction commenced in 2008 at Charles R Drew University in Los Angeles, CA and she later obtained a certificate in Alcohol and Drug counselling in 2010. She has worked as a research assistant using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for smokers undergoing smoking cessation (Chares R. Drew). Being proficient in techniques of Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-based relapse prevention and the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) she has helped develop programs that use alternative approaches for addiction (Solid Landings behavioral Health).

  Research and Teaching Interests

Nicole has experience in various research projects that include addiction, positive psychology, health diagnosis, and wellbeing. She is well rounded in research methods. She is proficient in qualitative methodologies such as thematic analysis and Interpretative phenological analysis and quantitative techniques. Her teaching experience spans from children to young adults. She recently obtained a post as a lecturer in Counseling at Belfast Metropolitan College and will continue to expand her skills in teaching at the undergraduate and postgraduate level at Ulster

Impact

Nicole has a passion for bringing research to a non-research audience. While working at The Priory Group she has used her quantitative research skills to lead an audit on addiction treatment outcomes that informed treatment approaches for the unit. She has written about addiction for company newsletters targeted to GP’s, the general public, and has spoken with the press in relation to drug trends in the London area.  Additionally, she has written blog articles on the use of CAM for addiction and health. Nicole welcomes any opportunity to collaborate on research or writing projects related to addiction, mental illness and wellbeing.