Drug and Alcohol Awareness (Substance Misuse)
Drug and Alcohol (substance misuse) Awareness training helps staff understand substance misuse and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Professionals across health, social care, education, housing, and other frontline services may encounter substance misuse in their work. Therefore, this course supports staff to respond safely, confidently, and appropriately.
Substance misuse can affect both physical and mental health. It can also influence behaviour, relationships, and decision-making. For this reason, the course explains what substance misuse is and how it develops. Learners explore the difference between physical dependence and psychological dependence, as well as the wide range of substances that can cause harm. These include both legal and illegal drugs, as well as alcohol.
In addition, the training examines the wider issues linked to substance misuse. These include trauma, stigma, safeguarding concerns, and barriers to accessing support. As a result, learners gain a better understanding of the complex challenges individuals may face.
The course also helps staff recognise signs and indicators of substance misuse and understand how substance use can affect health and behaviour. Learners develop practical skills to respond appropriately, maintain professional boundaries, and support individuals with dignity and respect. Furthermore, the training covers referral pathways and the importance of multi-agency working when supporting people affected by substance misuse.
This Drug and Alcohol Awareness course supports good practice in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) expectations for safe, effective, and person-centred care. It also contributes to learning linked to the Skills for Care Care Certificate, particularly standards around duty of care, safeguarding, and effective communication.
Overall, this training helps staff build confidence, improve awareness, and support positive outcomes for individuals affected by drug and alcohol misuse across a range of care and support settings.
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.
Related Courses
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge further, you might also be interested in our Safeguarding Courses.
Course Location & Service Areas
We deliver in-house training at your workplace or chosen venue, tailored to your needs and schedule. This flexible approach removes the need to send staff off-site for essential learning.
Our experienced trainers deliver courses across Manchester and Greater Manchester, supporting organisations throughout the North West.
We also provide on-site training throughout England, covering major cities, towns, and regions nationwide, including North England, South England, London, and Surrey.
Wherever the training is delivered, all sessions are led by experienced Prima Cura Training instructors and meet the same high standards.
