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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Using Alcohol and Drugs (People Receiving Care) Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how {{org_field_name}} manages, supports, and responds to the use of alcohol and drugs by individuals receiving care, in accordance with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulatory expectations. The purpose is to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals while ensuring safety for all within the care setting. The policy supports a person-centred approach that balances individual choice and lifestyle with safeguarding, health risks, medication interactions, and legal responsibilities. It provides clear, consistent guidance to staff and ensures CIW inspectors understand how the care home manages this area in a safe, respectful, and lawful manner.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals receiving care and support within {{org_field_name}}, and all staff involved in their care. It includes alcohol, recreational drugs, prescribed controlled drugs, over-the-counter substances, and non-medically approved substances that may affect physical, mental, or emotional well-being. It also covers substances brought in by visitors or third parties for consumption or use by individuals in our care.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:
CHW07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
CHW11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
CHW17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
CHW18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CHW21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
CHW39 – Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy

4. Policy Details

4.1 Person-Centred and Rights-Based Approach
At {{org_field_name}}, we recognise the right of individuals to make choices about their lifestyle, including the consumption of alcohol or substances, provided this does not place them or others at risk of harm. Every decision and response to substance use is made on a case-by-case basis through open discussion with the individual, in consultation with family, advocates, or professionals where appropriate. Risk assessments are undertaken to evaluate the potential impact on health, well-being, care plans, medication interactions, behaviour, and the safety of others in the home. Decisions respect the individual’s autonomy and are recorded clearly in their personal plan.

4.2 Alcohol Consumption
Moderate alcohol use may be permitted for individuals receiving care, depending on their health status, medical guidance, and behaviour. Alcohol may be allowed under the following conditions:
A risk assessment has been completed and approved by the Registered Manager
The individual has mental capacity to understand the risks and consequences
It does not conflict with prescribed medication or health conditions
It is consumed in a controlled, designated area and does not impact other residents
It does not result in anti-social, disruptive, or unsafe behaviour

The agreement to allow alcohol must be included in the individual’s care plan, which is reviewed regularly. If there is evidence of harmful drinking or dependency, staff must escalate the concern to the GP or substance misuse services.

4.3 Use of Prescribed Controlled Substances
Prescribed controlled drugs (such as morphine or benzodiazepines) are managed under CHW21 – Medication Management Policy. Staff are responsible for ensuring that any such medication is administered as prescribed, stored securely, and monitored for effectiveness and side effects. If the individual is self-administering, a risk assessment and care plan must confirm capacity and safety measures. Misuse, overuse, or diversion of such medications is treated as a safeguarding matter and will be referred to the appropriate authorities.

4.4 Recreational or Illicit Drug Use
The use, possession, or distribution of illegal or non-prescribed recreational drugs within the care home is not permitted. If a resident is suspected of possessing or using illicit drugs, staff must:
Ensure immediate safety and de-escalate the situation
Report the concern to the Registered Manager or Safeguarding Lead
Record the incident factually in the individual’s care records
Carry out a risk assessment and review the individual’s care plan
Make a safeguarding referral to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}} where necessary
Consult health or addiction services as appropriate
In serious cases involving criminality or risk to others, contact law enforcement may be necessary

Our response must be non-judgemental, proportionate, and focused on harm reduction and engagement with professional support services.

4.5 Over-the-Counter or Unregulated Substances
If a person wishes to take herbal, unregulated, or over-the-counter substances, staff must check for potential interactions with prescribed medications and obtain guidance from a pharmacist or GP before allowing use. Any such substances must be recorded in the care plan, and consent or best interest decisions documented accordingly.

4.6 Mental Capacity and Best Interest Decisions
If there are concerns that the individual does not understand the risks related to substance use, a formal mental capacity assessment must be conducted. If the person lacks capacity, decisions about the use of alcohol or substances must follow the best interest process outlined in CHW39. Family, health professionals, and advocates must be consulted, and any agreed restrictions must be clearly documented with evidence of decision-making.

4.7 Visitors and Substance Use
Visitors are not permitted to bring alcohol or unapproved substances into the care home without prior agreement from the Registered Manager. If a visitor brings alcohol for a resident, staff must ensure it complies with the resident’s risk assessment and care plan. Visitors found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or supplying substances to residents inappropriately, may be asked to leave and the incident reported to safeguarding authorities.

4.8 Safeguarding and Risk Management
Substance misuse by a resident may be a safeguarding concern, particularly if it results in harm, exploitation, neglect of care, or risk to others. All such concerns are reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead: {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}}, {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_role}}, and to the Local Authority. Staff are trained to recognise signs of misuse, dependency, or coercion and respond in line with CHW13 – Safeguarding Policy and Regulation 60 reporting requirements. Risks are reviewed regularly, and measures put in place may include observation, engagement with health services, or environmental changes.

4.9 Staff Training and Responsibilities
All staff receive training in the safe management of alcohol and drug use in a care setting, safeguarding procedures, mental capacity, and person-centred care planning. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring that all decisions related to substance use are risk-assessed, lawful, and evidence-based. Staff must report any concerns or incidents immediately and document all actions taken in line with our governance processes.

5. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative changes, updated CIW guidance, or in response to incidents or audit findings. It forms part of {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to safety, transparency, and person-led care.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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