Substance Misuse

Substance misuse is typically described as the harmful use of a substance for mood altering purposes. Substances can include recreational drugs, alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, nicotine etc.

Substance misuse can have a large impact on your mental health. It can affect your mood, your behaviour, and the way you see and experience things. Once the repeated use of the substance causes impairment, this is when it is considered substance misuse. This can include failure to meet responsibilities, disabilities, physical/mental health issues, risky behaviour, and social issues etc.

Substance misuse can be caused by genetics, developmental factors, other mental health conditions, and environmental influences which all play a role.

Using recreational drugs can lead to long-term mental health problems in some cases such as depression or schizophrenia. You may depend on the substance to help deal with feelings you are struggling with.

Where can I receive support?

Seeking help – Seeking support may be difficult but there are different treatments available to access such as:

  • Contact your GP
  • Visit your local NHS drug and alcohol service

These services can help identify the effects of the substance use. They can present your treatment options and refer you to a specialist for more support.

From your local drug and alcohol service, you may be assigned a key worker such as a doctor, nurse, or a drug worker who you will make a care plan with and see regularly for ongoing support.

  • Alcoholic Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous

Self-help groups can provide support, it may be helpful to find a community of people who have also experienced drug and alcohol problems. You can join these groups yourself or ask your GP/drugs and alcohol serviced to help.

  • Talking Therapies

Psychotherapy such as CBT may help to improve coping, behavioural patterns and may change the underlying thoughts which contribute to addiction.

Family therapy may also be helpful as it can help you feel more supported and improve family functioning.

Access external help:

Seek help from your GP

Turning Point – offers Mental Health, drug and alcohol abuse support and information.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Supports people with anxiety disorders including PTSD.

Change Grow Live – Information and local support services for alcohol and drug use. Also offers support for mental wellbeing, and issues like housing and work.

Where can I receive support?

Learner Welfare Drop-Ins

The Learner Welfare Team offers a range of drop-ins including confidential 1-1s, mixed drop-ins and wellbeing walks with our therapy dogs. We will also offer specific drop-ins including Sexual Health Drop-Ins and drop-ins for our Looked After Children (LAC) learners.

Please see the current timetable below:

Day Time Type Room Time Type Room
MONDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in 1909 Social Space 12-1pm 1:1 Drop-in B009
8:30-9:30am Sexual Health Drop-in S006
TUESDAY 12-1pm Inclusion Drop-in S006 3-4pm Afternoon Drop-in 1909 Social Space
3:30-4:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
WEDNESDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in The Hub 1:30-2:30pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
THURSDAY 11-12pm 1:1 Drop-in S006 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3:30-4:30pm Afternoon Drop-in The Hub
FRIDAY 8:30-9am Dog walk and talk Meet at 1909 Social Space 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3-4pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
Group sessions
1:1 sessions
Sexual Health

Early Bird Drop-in/Afternoon Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with the Learner Welfare Team and mingle with other students.

1-1 Drop-in – Confidential 1-1 session (10-minute slots) with a member of the Learner Welfare Team. No appointment necessary.

Sexual Health Drop-in – Make an appointment on the Student Dashboard to get advice and support from our Wellbeing Mentors.

Dog Walk and Talk – Enjoy a short walk around the outskirts of our campus with our therapy dog.

Inclusion Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with our Inclusion Officers.

Mental Health First Aiders

We offer a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) service where students are able to call the Mental Health First Aid phone available Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30 if they feel they need someone to talk to. Our staff will support you with various issues such as academic pressure, bullying, wellbeing support, panic etc.

Please call 07483 956433 or 07483 956434 if needed.

Turning Point

We offer referrals to Turning Point for confidential support with alcohol and substance misuse.