Develop an Awareness for Substance Misuse

Develop an Awareness for Substance Misuse introduces what substance misuse is, why people may use substances, possible signs and impacts, and where support and advice can be found. The links on this page take you through each learning outcome. This introduction helps you keep a balanced, non-judgemental understanding while staying focused on safety, wellbeing and appropriate support.

Substance misuse means using alcohol, drugs, or other substances in a way that causes harm to health, relationships, responsibilities or safety. People’s reasons for using substances can be complex. Some people use substances to cope with stress, trauma, pain, loneliness or mental health problems. Others may be influenced by peer pressure, curiosity, social norms, or availability. At Level 1, you are not expected to diagnose addiction. You are expected to understand common reasons, recognise that stigma can be a barrier to seeking help, and know when to signpost or report concerns appropriately.

This unit starts by looking at substances that are commonly misused and why. “Substances” can include legal substances (such as alcohol and some medications) as well as illegal drugs. Some people misuse prescribed medication by taking more than directed, taking it without a prescription, or mixing it with other substances. Understanding this helps you see that misuse is not limited to one “type of person” and that stereotyping is unhelpful.

You will also identify factors from a person’s background that might lead to substance use. These can include adverse childhood experiences, family patterns, poverty, homelessness, relationship breakdown, unemployment, mental health problems, social isolation, and environments where substance use is normalised. Protective factors can include stable relationships, supportive services, meaningful activity, and early help.

Recognising possible signs of substance misuse is another part of the unit. Signs can be physical (such as changes in sleep, appetite, coordination), behavioural (such as secrecy, mood changes, unreliability), or social (such as relationship difficulties, work or study problems). However, signs can be misleading. Stress, bereavement, illness or mental health difficulties can look similar. This is why you focus on observation, patterns and professional reporting routes rather than assumptions.

The unit also looks at social and personal effects. Substance misuse can affect physical health, mental health, decision-making, finances, relationships and safeguarding. It can increase risk of accidents, exploitation and harm to others, including children. In communities, it can contribute to crime, pressure on services, and family breakdown. The aim of learning about these effects is to understand risk and support—not to blame.

Perceptions and responses to substance misuse are included because stigma affects outcomes. Stereotyping can stop people asking for help and can lead to people being treated unfairly. Media reporting can also shape public attitudes, sometimes exaggerating fear or reinforcing stereotypes. A professional approach is to be factual, respectful, and focused on safety and support.

Here’s a practice example: in a community setting, you notice a young person’s attendance drops, they seem tired and irritable, and they avoid eye contact. This could have many causes. A safe approach would be to follow your setting’s procedures, share concerns with the appropriate person, and consider whether safeguarding support is needed. Another example: in adult care, a person begins missing appointments and has unexplained falls. Rather than accusing, you record concerns factually, report through the correct route, and consider whether medication misuse, alcohol use, or another health issue may be involved.

The unit also asks where to get support and advice. This might include local drug and alcohol services, GP support, mental health services, helplines, school or college support, and safeguarding teams where risk is present. In workplace settings, you also follow agreed ways of working and seek advice from supervisors. If there is immediate danger, emergency services may be needed.

As you work through the links on this page, keep your answers non-judgemental and focused on wellbeing and safety. By the end of this unit, you should be able to explain why people may use substances, identify types of substances that are misused, recognise that signs can be misleading, describe possible harmful effects, and outline where individuals (and workers) can access support and reliable advice.

1. Know what substances are commonly misused and why

2. Recognise possible signs of substance misuse

3. Be aware of the social and personal effects of substance misuse

  • 3.1 Identify harmful effects of substance misuse on individuals
  • 3.2 Identify harmful effects of substance misuse on society
  • 3.3 Give examples of where to get support and advice on substance use

4. Be aware of the perceptions and responses to substance misuse

  • 4.1 Identify how stereotyping affects users
  • 4.2 Outline how media reporting affects people’s perceptions of substance use
  • 4.3 State sources that can be used to find the extent of substance misuse in society
  • 4.4 Outline ways that substance use in society can be responded to

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