Drugs & Alcohol Training

Service Description

Drugs & Alcohol Training – Understanding Drugs Overview This training equips staff with the knowledge and skills to understand drugs, their effects, and how to support individuals safely and effectively. It is designed for professionals working in social, educational, health, and community settings. The course explores the spectrum of drug use, from experimentation to dependency, using evidence-based frameworks to understand why people use substances. Participants will learn about key drug categories, including depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens, and their effects on the brain, behaviour, and mental wellbeing. The training covers mechanisms of action, as well as the differences between dependency and addiction, including tolerance, withdrawal, and comedown. It also examines the relationship between substance use and mental health. A practical focus is maintained throughout. Participants will develop communication skills for discussing drug use sensitively, apply harm reduction strategies, and understand treatment and recovery pathways. The course also addresses the UK legal context, including issues such as County Lines and criminal exploitation. Through case studies and discussion, participants will build confidence in identifying risks, supporting individuals, and applying safe, informed interventions. Learning Outcomes - By the end of the training, participants will be able to: - Understand the spectrum of drug use - Explain why people use drugs using evidence-based frameworks - Identify key drug categories and their effects on the brain - Distinguish between dependency and addiction - Understand links between substance use and mental wellbeing - Apply harm reduction strategies and treatment pathways - Communicate effectively about drug use - Understand the UK legal context, including exploitation risks - Apply learning to real-world scenarios Facilitator The session is delivered by an experienced psychosocial practitioner with over a decade of frontline work supporting vulnerable children and young people. With a strong academic background in psychology and psychosocial intervention, they combine evidence-based knowledge with extensive real-world experience. Having worked across diverse communities, including London and the Midlands, they bring a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both young people and the professionals who support them. Their approach bridges theory and practice.