Drugs and alcohol misuse

Why do young people use drugs and alcohol and what can the impact be? 

Drug and alcohol misuse in young people refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Misuse can lead to dependency and other difficulties.   

The reasons why young people might misuse drugs or alcohol can vary widely. It could be to fit in, appear popular, or because of peer pressure. Some people are curious to know what it feels like. Some like how it makes them feel more confident, or it might help them forget difficult thoughts or feelings. The Young people's substance misuse treatment statistics 2020 to 2021 provide further information. 

Drug use is more prevalent in adolescents and young adults (16-24-year-olds) than in older adults. While many young people drink alcohol or take drugs with no or very minor long-lasting effects, young people display different vulnerabilities from adult users.  

Young people's drug and alcohol use is influenced by their peers' perceived or actual use. Drug and alcohol use can also affect their judgment to engage in more risky behaviours, putting an already vulnerable young person in greater danger. Drug and alcohol dependence can also interfere with learning or socialising and their associated benefits.  

The rate of drug dependence is highest in those aged 16-24, with the latest available national estimate indicating that around one in twelve have a drug dependency. Cannabis is the substance the majority are dependent on.  

Why is it important to be aware of drug and alcohol misuse in schools? 

The most common vulnerability reported by young people starting treatment was early onset of substance use (73%), which means the young person started using substances before the age of 15, this highlights the importance of schools being aware of drug and alcohol use and being able to implement preventative support as early as possible. 

It's crucial for schools to be aware of drug and alcohol use for several reasons including: 

Supporting children and young people to develop alternative coping strategies empowering them to make safer and healthier choices. 

Playing a role in preventing drug and alcohol misuse through educating about the impact and associated risks through age-appropriate RSHE curriculum content. 

Supporting a sense of belonging - children and young people's health and wellbeing can be influenced by many complex and overlapping factors - those who feel connected at school and have positive role models may be less likely to experience harms from alcohol and other drugs. 

Providing targeted teaching and interventions for children and young people identified as being most at risk, tailoring these interventions to individuals' needs and avoiding stigmatising those involved. 

By being aware of drug and alcohol use, schools can play a significant role in preventing substance misuse and promoting the health and wellbeing of their children and young people. 

What does the law say? 

As part of the statutory duty to promote children and young people's physical, mental health and emotional wellbeing, schools have a clear role to play in managing drugs and alcohol as part of their pastoral responsibilities.  

Schools also have a statutory duty to deliver health education on drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. 

Schools must ensure that any exclusions related to a drug or alcohol related incident is not in breach of equalities legislation e.g., Equalities Act. 

As set out in Chapter 6 of the statutory SEND Code of Practice, schools need to be alert to how mental health problems can underpin issues such as drug and alcohol use to support children and young people effectively, working with external support where needed.   

All schools are under a statutory duty to promote the welfare of their children and young people, which includes preventing impairment of children's health or development and taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes. Full details are set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory guidance.  

What support is available? 

National 

DfE and ACPO: The Department for Education (DfE) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) have jointly published non-statutory drugs advice for schools. Annex A contains a suggested framework for a drugs policy and lists areas that a drugs policy may cover.  

Searching, Screening and Confiscation guidance: Searching, Screening and Confiscation explains the screening, searching and confiscating powers a school has, ensuring that headteachers and members of staff have the confidence to use these powers.  

NICE guidelines: NICE guidelines advise that schools plan and deliver alcohol education (universal and targeted interventions) as part of a whole-school approach to relationships, sex education and health education. 

Young Minds: Young Minds provides a variety of resources and support for schools around drugs and alcohol misuse including understanding the laws around drugs and alcohol, how these substances can affect mental health, how to identify if a young person has a problem, and what to do if a young person is struggling with substance misuse. 

PSHE Association: The PSHE Association provide lesson plans and supporting resources on drugs and alcohol as well as their Drug and Alcohol Education Evidence Review (2020) which provides examples of best practice in relation to school environments, policy, teaching and interventions. 

Mentally Healthy Schools with Anna Freud Centre: have produced several teaching resources including lesson plans. They have also produced an e-learning tool for professionals to further their skills and knowledge when working with children and young people affected by parental alcohol misuse. See the Safeguarding Network for further learning on this topic also.  

The Alcohol Education Trust: The Alcohol Education Trust have put together resources including a toolkit to review current drugs / alcohol policies and an example / template policy.  

Norfolk 

Toolkit: Norfolk County Council are developing a toolkit for schools and settings focused on drugs and alcohol. The aim of the toolkit is to provide guidance around a whole school or setting approach to preventing the risk of children and young people using drugs and alcohol as well as providing guidance on how to respond to an incident including a step-by-step checklist which guides you on: 

• Discussing the incident with children and young people 
• Completing any searches  
• Example risk reduction plans 
• How to implement protective and educational consequences  
• How to refer on for further support if necessary  

Senior Mental Health Lead training: Over two-fifths (43%) of young people starting drug or alcohol treatment said they had a mental health treatment need. Appoint a member of the senior leadership team as a senior mental health lead to co-ordinate a whole school / setting approach to mental health and wellbeing. This person can attend Senior Lead Mental Health Training for which the DfE can provide funding.    

NCC Inclusion Advisers: Our NCC Inclusion Advisers can support schools regarding individual children or young people with behaviours that challenge who are at risk of exclusion. 

Mental health support for 0-25 year olds: Across Norfolk & Waveney, these requests will be processed by Just One Number. The team will review all the information outlined in the request and support children and young people and their families in accessing a range of options to improve their mental health and wellbeing, including:   

• Self-care resources   
• Advice and guidance   
• Access to mental health or emotional wellbeing support services.   

When appropriate, the team will pass any information you share to an organisation that will best support the child or young person. Sometimes, further intervention will not be needed, but the JON team will contact you to let you know this and offer some advice and guidance to support.  

Matthew Project: The Matthew Project Education & Training Services offer a range of support for professionals on topics relating to substance misuse, wellbeing and health. 

Key contacts  

Senior Mental Health Lead training - For more details of the programme in Norfolk please contact cs.epss@norfolk.gov.uk.   

NCC Inclusion Advisers - If you have a child or young person at imminent risk of permanent exclusion, please contact our helpline: 01603 307736. Monday - Friday 9am-4.30pm. If the case is less urgent, please contact us by completing this referral form. 

Just One Number - Follow the links on this page Norfolk & Waveney Access to Mental Health Advice & Support (justonenorfolk.nhs.uk).