This document provides information about substance misuse, including harmful effects on individuals and society. It identifies sources of help for substance misuse and sources of information about drug use rates. The document also discusses government policy approaches to substance misuse, which include legal controls, treatment options, and preventative education. It provides statistics about illicit drug use in England and Wales from the Crime Survey and poses discussion questions.

1. Understanding Wellbeing
Week 4: Develop an Awareness of Substance Misuse

2. Develop an Awareness of Substance Misuse
 Identify harmful effects and sources of support (3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
 Give 3 sources of information on drug use (4.3), and outline
governmental responses (4.4)
 Identify how stereotyping may affect users (4.1)
 Media reporting and public perception (4.2)
Session 4 Objectives

3.  Share examples from homework in small groups
Homework

4. Substance misuse can have many negative effects on the individual and on society. Sometimes
substance misuse causes problems, sometimes it exacerbates existing problems…
Harmful effects
Health & Wellbeing Social & Emotional Economic
Individual Damage to mental health:
depression, stress, anxiety
Risk of infection (blood borne
viruses)
Potential for addiction
Emotional instability
Impact on family – breakdown in
relationships
Problems at work or whilst
studying
Job loss
Rent arrears or mortgage
default (repossession)
Debt / no money for
essentials
Society Increase in levels of mental
illness (see above)
Increase in levels of physical ill
health (CHD, Liver disease)
Strain on primary care services
including A&E
Family break-ups & increased
need for Social Services
Increased levels of social
deprivation
Fear & mistrust in the community
Cost for Welfare system &
Social Services
Cost on health services
Cost for criminal justice and
regeneration
Total: £15.4bn per year

5. Fortunately there are places where people can go to get help and advice…
Where to get help…
Service Name / location Support details
Accrington
Integrated substance misuse service
offering community based treatments
Blackburn
Residential 12-Step rehabilitation facility
and aftercare service.
Drop-in centre for active users (separate)
Covers East Lancashire
Substance misuse service for young
people and their families

6. There are a variety of sources that can be used to find out about
the extent of substance misuse in society. In the UK these
include:
 NHS Information Centre
 Home Office Crime Survey for England & Wales (CSEW)
 Guardian & Mixmag Drug Survey
Sources of information

7. Government Policy
Policy: a legislative document setting out a coherent approach that agencies and
organisations can follow. This document will set out how the government intends to
deal with legal controls, treatment methods and educational targets.
Control: this relates to the legal framework that dictates laws relating to the
movement and use of drugs. The Misuse of Drugs Act is the main component in this
category. It outlines what drugs are illegal and provides sentencing guidelines.
Treatment: these are the measures put in place to help people who are using drugs
in a ‘problematic’ way. This can include community based and residential treatments.
Education: These are preventative measures put in place to try to improve people’s
knowledge and help them make better decisions about not using or using more
safely.

8. Quiz Time
1. What % of adults aged 16 to 59 had taken an
illicit drug in the last year?
2. What % of young adults aged 16 to 24 had
taken an illicit drug in the last year?
3. What % of 16 to 24 year olds used ecstasy?
4. What % of 16 to 59 year olds used khat?
5. What % of adults aged 16 to 59 had taken an
illicit drug in the last month?
6. What % of young adults aged 16 to 24 had
taken an illicit drug in the last month?
Crime Survey for England and Wales
2014/2015

9. Word association: ‘Drug Addict’
What kind of impact might these negative stereotypes have an individual
user?
Task: Find a media report that focuses on drug use and drug users.
Read the report and consider how it could affect public attitudes
towards drug users. Complete 4.2 (p12) in full sentences. Attach a copy
of your article if possible. Use the internet to search for a suitable
media report.
Stereotyping & media reports
Angry &
resentful
Isolated &
withdrawn
Less likely to
seek help
Rejected
Damaged self-
esteem

10.  Find out the % of alcohol and the quantity (ml) of
alcoholic drinks
 Bring a few examples back in to class next week.
Homework