Substance Misuse

The social and economic cost of drug supply in England and Wales is estimated to be £10.7 billion a year – just over half of which (£6 billion) is attributed to drug-related acquisitive crime (e.g. burglary, robbery, shoplifting). Drug-related and drug-enabled activities are key drivers of both new and traditional crime: the possession of illicit substances; the crimes committed to fund drug dependence; the production and supply of harmful substances perpetrated by serious and organised criminals alongside drug market violence associated with human trafficking and modern slavery.

The police have been expected to play a pivotal role in delivering the UK drug strategy 2017. They have been called upon to reduce the supply of drugs and as gatekeepers to the criminal justice process, they have also been tasked with channelling drug users into treatment following their arrest. The police therefore have been asked to play a crucial role, enforcing the law and offering support to problem drug users.

 

 

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

People who use drugs or high levels of alcohol can sometimes be labelled as chaotic, non-compliant, and challenging. Often they are trying to find a way of coping with difficult things that have happened to them.

Reaching out to someone who may have a problem with drugs and / or alcohol can be so impactful; treat them how you would wish to be treated. 

If someone is having a bad time on drugs they may be:

  • anxious
  • tense
  • panicky
  • overheated and dehydrated
  • drowsy
  • having difficulty breathing

The first things you should do are:

  • stay calm
  • calm them and be reassuring - don't scare or chase after them
  • try to find out what they've taken
  • stay with them (if feasible)

Initial contact: Do you mind if I ask you a question about drugs / alcohol?

  • This question may be prompted by some verbal or visual signs i.e. there is evidence of drinking and / or drug taking, demeanour and behaviour

Do you need any help? Have you got a safe place to go

Have you been in contact with any support services relating to drugs and / or alcohol?

Would you like me to contact someone for you?

ALCOHOL

You may want to use the below alcohol harm assessment questions to establish risk for that person

Total Scoring :
● 0 to 7 indicates low risk
● 8 to 15 indicates increasing risk
● 16 to 19 indicates higher risk
● 20 or more indicates possible dependence

DRUGS

You may want to ask what drug(s) the individual has consumed as this will help to target the appropriate support services

The five most widely used substances are Heroin, Crack Cocaine, Cocaine Powder, Cannabis and Synthetic Drugs (such as MDMA and amphetamines) but there are many other substances you may encounter. 

FRANK is a drug information website that has an A to Z drug search tool within it containing extensive information about a range of substances (i.e. how it looks, tastes and smells) and the risks associated with it. You will also find slang or street terms for substances too

Website: Honest information about drugs | FRANK (talktofrank.com) 

Tel: 0300 123 6600 (open 24/7)

Assist

What you can do to help depends on the particular circumstances and needs of the individual. Do they need immediate medical attention or referral to drug and alcohol support services?

Please click on the link below for information about local drug and alcohol support services. 

In less serious circumstances relating to drug and alcohol consumption you may wish to highlight some of the benefits to reducing drug and / or alcohol intake.

For example:

  • saving money
  • improved relationships
  • improved sleep
  • reduced risk of injury
  • reduced risk of long-term health conditions such as cancer and liver disease

Act

Do you think the person would benefit from some further support to reduce their drinking and / or drug taking to lower risk levels? You can make the following recommendations:

  • Suggest they speak to their GP or a loved one
  • Pass on details of national organisations, such as those listed below:

National Support

ALCOHOL

Drinkline

Drinkline provides free, confidential, accurate and consistent information and advice to callers who are concerned about their own or someone else's drinking.

Tel: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am-8pm, weekends 11am-4pm)

Drink Free Days app - If the person has a smartphone they can download the Better Health Drink Free Days app designed to make it easy to keep an eye on alcohol consumption and take control with daily tips and feedback. Drink less - Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)


Alcoholics Anonymous

Call the free helpline 0800 9177 650

Email help@aamail.org or use the live chat function on their website

Website: Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain (alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk)

DRUGS

Narcotics Anonymous

A non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only ONE requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.

Helpline: 0300 999 1212 (10am - midnight)

Email: pi@ukna.org 

Website: Welcome to UKNA | UKNA | Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom

Local Support and Contact Details