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The RECOVER Pack - a new resource aimed at professionals who work with families affected by substance misuse

The RECOVER pack has been developed in consultation with colleagues including Integrated Practice Teams, Adult Drug Services and Think Family leads.  Its aim is to provide services working with families with a comprehensive guide to encourage a holistic approach.  This approach can help to enhance the treatment given, enable providers to ‘think family’ more effectively and bridge gaps between adult and family services.  It also responds to concerns regarding adolescent drug use, safeguarding children and caring responsibilities.

The pack has been designed to set out some of the services that are available for young people, adult service users and for wider families and carers of all ages.

The RECOVER Pack can be viewed and downloaded on the Grid (where you will also find an order form) at:

• www.thegrid.org.uk/info/welfare/child_protection/policy/index.shtml#recover

Drugs Booklet

What Every Year 6 Pupil Going to Secondary School Should Know. More...

Guidelines on drinking for under-18s

This official government advice for young people and their parents about alcohol was published by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Sir Liam Donaldson; in the light of public concern about the impact of alcohol on health and society. The recommendations that emerged were based on extensive research conducted by a panel of experts.

A final version of the Chief Medical Officers guidance will be produced later this year. More...

Harm Reduction

An Introduction to Harm Reduction. This pdf file contains the principles and position statement of the International Harm Reduction Association. More...

Two new reports:

• Young people and alcohol: meanings, practices and contexts
• Drug Misuse Declared: Findings from the 2008/09 British Crime Survey
• Smoking, Drinking & Drug Use Amongst Young People in England 2008
  

More...

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Herbal & Legal Highs

There are currently many herbal substances available on the market, which are promoted as having the same or similar effects to illegal drugs. While many of the various capsules, powders, pills and potions contain natural products it is important to remember that this doesn’t necessarily make them safe to use.

As there is no regulation or control over the content of these ‘herbal highs’ it can be difficult to know exactly what has gone into them. Subsequently, it would be difficult to predict what the exact effects or side effects would be, particularly if they were mixed with other drugs or food.

Although such substances make a virtue of their legal status, this only means that they conform to the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. However, users of herbal or legal highs should be mindful that the Medicines Act makes it illegal to sell some herbal drugs without a license. It is also worth noting that many substances have a historical, ritual and/or cultural use across many diverse communities, so information should be handled sensitively.

In today’s society where we have access to the world via multimedia, young people are increasingly exposed to words, music and images surrounding drug use. Good drug education, in both formal and informal settings, should take account of a wide range of substances, including herbal or legal drugs. In-keeping with the ethos of harm reduction advice, the bottom line is that every drug has a potential risk attached to it, so provision of accurate information can enable young people to make healthy and informed choices.

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Drug Education Leaflet Scam

The Hertfordshire Drug Education Forum (DEF) is advising any school wishing to purchase drug education resources (and leaflets in particular), to be very cautious about the companies who approach them. Over the past few years there have been a small number of resource ‘scams’ across the UK and some schools and individuals have consequently lost their money.

The scammers typically send letters out to local businesses and individuals (often working in health professions) offering their publications and asking for ‘sponsorship’ to ensure their leaflets reach other schools. On the rare occasions where these leaflets actually exist, the information contained within them is often misleading, untrue and potentially counter-productive to effective drug and alcohol education.

The latest example is a publication titled “From the Heart4” produced by Child Protection UK LTD (C.P.UK), which contains incorrect information. The DEF does not support this publication and recommends that schools disregard it.

Previously the DEF have contacted Trading Standards about such booklets and continue to warn all partner agencies about their content. If your school is actively looking to replace or update your drug education resources, please ensure that they are provided by reputable local agencies, such as NHS Hertfordshire Health Promotion. There are a myriad of effective FREE resources for all 4 Key Stages available and all new drug / alcohol leaflets are vetted by the DEF for prior approval.

If you would like to find appropriate drug education resources, please contact:
NHS Health Promotion Hertfordshire at:

• www.healthpromotioninherts.nhs.uk
  Tel: 01582 760196

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