4.1 Summarise policies and procedures in relation to the support of individuals who have misused substances

This guide will help you answer 4.1 Summarise policies and procedures in relation to the support of individuals who have misused substances.

Every UK health and social care setting follows a set of policies and procedures to support people who misuse substances. These documents give staff a clear set of instructions so that support is safe, legal, and respectful. Policies are written guidelines that explain what an organisation expects everyone to do. Procedures are step-by-step instructions for putting those policies into action.

People who misuse substances can include anyone struggling with drugs or alcohol. The goal of support is to help them live healthier, safer lives. Policies and procedures make sure staff work legally and do their jobs to the standard expected by national and local guidance.

Policy Areas

Legal Compliance

All organisations must meet the law. In substance misuse support, this means staff follow:

• The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 – controls the supply, possession, and use of dangerous drugs.
• The Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 – protect people’s rights if they cannot make decisions for themselves.
• Care Standards Act 2000 – sets standards for people working in health and social care.
• Children Act 1989 and 2004 – keeps children and young people safe.

Policies explain the legal rules staff must follow. Procedures say how to check identities, record information, and report concerns. They set the expectation that no staff member will break the law, whatever pressures they feel.

Confidentiality

Respecting individual privacy is fundamental. Policies state that no one should discuss personal details about a person who misuses substances without their consent unless the law requires it. Information should only be shared with others on a need-to-know basis.

Procedures might cover:

• Secure storage of files and electronic records.
• Password protection on computers.
• Rules for discussing cases in team meetings.

Exceptions exist—for example, if the individual is at risk of harming themselves or others, or if a child is at risk. Then staff must break confidentiality, but only in line with the agreed process.

Assessment and Care Planning

Every person should get support based on their own needs. Policies require a full assessment when someone starts using the service. This includes questions about physical health, mental wellbeing, housing, safeguarding, and current or past substance use.

Staff then work with the individual to create a care plan. The procedure describes:

• Who will carry out the assessment.
• What forms to use.
• How to review the care plan regularly.

Effective care planning keeps support personalised and tracks progress over time.

Risk Assessment and Management

Supporting individuals with substance misuse carries risk. This could involve overdose, withdrawal symptoms, risky behaviours, or mental health problems.

Policies make risk assessment a routine part of support. Procedures set out:

• How to recognise signs of deterioration or crisis.
• Steps to take if someone is at immediate risk.
• When to involve emergency services or seek medical advice.

Documenting risk assessments and actions is vital for accountability.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding protects people who cannot protect themselves. This includes adults with care and support needs, as well as children. Policies insist that staff act whenever they are worried about neglect, abuse, or exploitation.

Procedures give:

• Signs to look for that could mean abuse or neglect.
• How and when to report concerns within the organisation.
• What to do if a colleague is suspected of dangerous or inappropriate behaviour.

Every organisation should have a named safeguarding lead.

Substance Misuse Interventions

A good policy explains which interventions are available for people needing support. These may involve:

• Harm reduction (helping people use drugs or alcohol in a safer way).
• Detox programmes to manage withdrawal symptoms.
• Medication-assisted treatments such as methadone.
• Psychological interventions like counselling, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), or group support.

Procedures tell staff:

• How to make referrals to internal and external services.
• What consent is needed before starting an intervention.
• How to measure outcomes and success.

Supporting Recovery

Promoting Independence and Empowerment

A good service helps people take control of their own recovery. Policies model respect and person-centred support. They make clear that staff should:

• Listen to the individual’s wishes and opinions.
• Encourage goal-setting and self-care.
• Give information about treatment choices and self-help options.

Procedures might include:

• Structured goal-setting meetings.
• Information leaflets or signposting to recovery groups.
• Steps for involving peer mentors or people with lived experience.

Multi-Agency Working

No single service can meet every need. Policies encourage working with other professionals and organisations—GPs, mental health teams, housing providers, probation, and family support services. This is called multi-agency or partnership working.

Procedures outline:

• How to get consent to share information.
• Processes for making referrals to other services.
• How to be part of external meetings or case conferences.

This team approach promotes better outcomes for people who misuse substances.

Staff Training and Supervision

Protecting staff and individuals depends on skilled, confident teams. Policies require regular staff training in substance misuse awareness, legal duties, safeguarding, and clinical skills.

Procedures explain:

• Induction programmes for new staff.
• Ongoing courses, either in-house or external.
• Regular supervision or reflective practice with a senior colleague.

Supervision lets workers discuss challenges and seek advice. This reduces mistakes and stress.

Handling Medication

Policies set clear rules for supporting people with prescribed medication. These rules cover safe storage, administration, record-keeping, and how to respond to errors.

Procedures show:

• Who can give out medication or supervise self-administration.
• How to document medicines given or refused.
• Actions for missed doses or suspected side effects.
• What to do if substances or prescriptions are lost or stolen.

Mistakes or suspicion of misuse must always be reported through the incident procedure.

Promoting Health, Safety, and Positive Outcomes

Health Promotion

Part of support work is helping people make healthier choices. Policies encourage giving information about nutrition, sexual health, vaccinations, and safe drinking or injecting.

Procedures might involve:

• Delivering health workshops or information sessions.
• Providing leaflets or signposts to clinics.
• Encouraging regular health checks or attending GP appointments.

Infection Control

People who misuse substances sometimes face higher risks of infection. Sharing needles or poor living standards can spread disease. Policies insist on strict infection control.

Procedures include:

• Safe disposal of needles and sharps.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
• Hand-washing and cleaning routines.
• Advice for individuals about reducing risk.

Managing Aggression and Challenging Behaviour

People in withdrawal or crisis can behave unpredictably. Policies give guidance on de-escalation and managing aggression. Staff should never use restraint unless absolutely unavoidable and only if trained.

Procedures include:

• Early warning signs of aggression.
• Steps to call for help—security, the police, or senior staff.
• Recording incidents in the accident or incident log.

Reviewing incidents helps services learn and prevent harm.

Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination

Respect for Diversity

Support services must not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, faith, disability, or age. Policies stress equality and that everyone gets fair treatment. This links with the Equality Act 2010.

Procedures show:

• How to adapt support for language, faith, or culture.
• How to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities.
• Recording and monitoring outcomes to check fair treatment.

Treating People with Dignity

Policies require staff to treat each person as a unique individual, not just a “substance misuser.” Stigmatising language and attitudes are not accepted.

Procedures include:

• Using preferred names and pronouns.
• Listening and encouraging choice.
• Involving families, with consent, if it helps recovery.

Information Sharing and Record Keeping

Accurate Records

Record keeping is central to good support. Policies state that all actions, concerns, and decisions must be documented correctly. This protects both the person and the staff.

Procedures cover:

• How to write daily notes and care plans.
• What information to include (facts only, no opinions).
• Storage of paperwork or electronic records.

Records must be up to date and accessible to those who need them, but safe from anyone who does not have permission.

Sharing Information Lawfully

There are legal duties to protect information, but sometimes sharing is necessary to keep people safe. Policies clarify consent and when information must be shared for safeguarding reasons.

Procedures spell out:

• How to obtain and document consent.
• How to contact external agencies securely.
• What information can be shared and with whom (need-to-know only).

Handling Complaints and Feedback

Complaints Policy

Anyone can give feedback or complain if they feel support is poor or unsafe. Policies outline the right to complain without fear of negative consequences.

Procedures cover:

• Who to speak to or write to.
• How complaints are investigated.
• Timescales for responses.
• Support available for making a complaint (e.g., advocates).

Services regularly review complaints to make improvements.

Emergency and Crisis Procedures

Some situations call for a quick, clear response. Policies describe what to do if someone has:

• A medical emergency, like overdose or allergic reaction.
• A mental health crisis, such as suicidal thoughts.
• Been the victim of a crime, abuse, or exploitation.

Procedures provide:

• Emergency numbers and when to use them.
• Steps for first aid and contacting emergency services.
• Reporting processes to family and senior staff.

Everyone knows these steps because of training and regular drills.

Reviewing and Updating Policies

The needs of people who misuse substances—and the law—change over time. Organisations must check and update policies regularly, increasing the quality and safety of services. Procedures explain how frequently these reviews happen and who is involved.

Staff and service users may give feedback; their views are considered when making any updates. This keeps practice right for the needs of everyone involved.

Final Thoughts

Each organisation’s policies and procedures may differ in details, but all follow this strong, person-centred framework that puts the individual’s wellbeing, safety, and rights at the centre of everything.