Substance Misuse

DRUGS

A new Government Drug strategy was launched in 2017

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

Ask

People who use drugs or high levels of alcohol can often 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 we think may have a problem with drugs or alcohol consumption can be so impactful, treat them how you’d like to be treated.

Initial Contact - Do you mind if I ask you a question about alcohol/drugs?

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

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

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

Would you like us 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 that officers may encounter.

FRANK, a drug information website offers an A to Z drug search tool with extensive information about a range of substances i.e. how it looks, tastes and smells and risks associated with it. You will also find slang or street terms for substances here. https://www.talktofrank.com/

Tel for advice: 0300 1236600 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

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

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

The first things you should do are:

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

Assist

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 Alcohol or Drug support services?

Please click on the below regional links for information about Alcohol and Drug support services relating to your locality.

In less serious circumstances relating to alcohol and drug consumption you may want to highlight some of the benefits to reducing alcohol and drug intake

Save Money, Improved relationships, Improved sleep, Reduced risk of injury, More alert and higher performing at work, Reduced risk of high blood pressure, Reduced risk of cancer and Reduced risk of liver disease

Act

Act

NATIONAL SUPPORT

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

Speak to your GP or a loved one

ALCOHOL 

Drinkline - The Drinkline service provides free, confidential, accurate and consistent information and advice to callers who are concerned about their own or someone else`s drinking regardless of the caller`s age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or spirituality. 

Tel: 0300 1231110 (Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, weekends 11am - 4pm).

'One You' drink less App - If the person has a smartphone they can download the 'one you' drink less app www.nhs.uk/oneyou/apps/ designed to make it easy to keep an eye on alcohol consumption and take control with daily tips and feedback.

DRUGS

Call FRANK FRANK is a national drug information service with factfiles and FAQs.

Tel: 0300 1236600 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or Text 82111 

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.

Tel: 0300 9991212 (10.00am to midnight)  

Local Support and Contact Details