Drug and Alcohol Awareness (Substance Misuse)
Substance misuse can have a serious impact on individuals, families and communities, and professionals across many sectors may encounter it in their work. This Drug and Alcohol Awareness training course is designed for staff in social care, education, housing, healthcare and other frontline roles who support or engage with individuals affected by drug or alcohol use.
The course explores what constitutes substance misuse, the difference between psychological and physical dependence, and the wide range of substances that can lead to harm—including both legal and illegal drugs. It also looks at the wider social issues linked to substance misuse, including trauma, stigma and access to support services.
Learners will develop a better understanding of how substance use affects behaviour and health, how to recognise signs of misuse, and how to respond appropriately. The course also covers referral pathways and the role of multi-agency working in supporting individuals.
What You Will Learn
- The definitions of substance misuse, dependence and addiction
- The physical and psychological effects of substance misuse
- Commonly used substances and how to categorise them by type, effect and legal status
- How attitudes and assumptions about substance use can affect service delivery
- The impact of trauma and stigma on individuals who misuse substances
- How to respond to suspected or known drug and alcohol use with confidence and professionalism
- Signs and symptoms of substance misuse and how to recognise them early
- Introduction to brief interventions and harm reduction strategies
- Key referral routes and local agencies that offer support for substance misuse
- How to contribute to a non-judgemental, person-centred approach in your role
Certification
All participants will receive a certificate of achievement upon successful completion of the course.
