Course Overview
Substance misuse can affect individuals from all walks of life. This half-day Drug and Alcohol Awareness course helps care staff understand why people may use or misuse substances, how to recognise the signs, and what steps to take to safeguard and support individuals effectively.

The course is suitable for care staff working in residential, supported living, or domiciliary care who may come into contact with individuals experiencing issues related to drugs or alcohol. It explores the social, legal, and health-related context of substance use and equips staff with practical tools for early intervention and referral.

Delegates will leave with greater confidence in recognising risks and understanding how to respond appropriately while promoting a person-centred, non-judgemental approach.

Key Learning

• Types of substances and their effects
• Why people may use or misuse drugs or alcohol
• Social and legal perspectives on substance use
• National statistics and trends
• Identifying signs of misuse and associated risks
• How to respond to concerns in a care setting
• Providing support and promoting harm reduction
• Making onward referrals to external agencies

This half-day course gives learners a broad understanding of substance use and its impact on individuals and communities. The session begins with an overview of common substances, both legal and illegal, including their effects and risks. It also highlights the social and legal context of substance misuse, helping learners understand the broader picture beyond the individual’s choices.

The course explores why someone may begin or continue using substances, including links to trauma, mental health, and social isolation. Learners will consider how to identify early signs of use or dependency and how to respond safely, including when to escalate concerns or signpost to specialist services.

Delivered in clear, non-clinical language, the training is ideal for staff with little or no prior knowledge of substance misuse. It supports a compassionate, person-centred approach and reflects good practice guidance from organisations such as Turning Point, Public Health England (now OHID), and Adfam.

Relevant Standards Covered:

Care Certificate Standard 3 – Duty of care

Care Certificate Standard 5 – Work in a person-centred way

Care Certificate Standard 6 – Communication

Care Certificate Standard 10 – Safeguarding adults

Health and Social Care Act 2008 – Promoting wellbeing

Open course per person             £97
In-house for up to 6 people       £343
In-house for up to 12 people     £365