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{{org_field_name}}
Alcohol and Drug Use Policy
Introduction
This policy sets out the values, principles and key procedures underpinning {{org_field_name}}’s approach to potential drug and alcohol use by people who use its services. It is written with the healthcare needs of people who use services in mind and the health and safety issues {{org_field_name}} must address as part of its duty of care.
The policy is consistent with national care standards that promote people’s choice and independence rights to make their own lifestyle decisions. {{org_field_name}} is also mindful of its obligations to observe the laws relating to alcohol consumption and drug misuse and does not tolerate illegal behaviour in any of these respects. {{org_field_name}} addresses individual cases of potential alcohol or drug abuse within a risk assessment and management framework.
The policy works on the principle that people who use services should be able to consume alcohol as anyone else. However, {{org_field_name}} will put limits on alcohol use to ensure that people who use its services are kept safe from any harm caused by possible alcohol abuse and that it operates within the law.
As a general principle, {{org_field_name}} accepts the idea of responsible drinking, recognising that alcohol use has a role in some people’s personal and social lives as it does in the community in general.
Policy Statement
{{org_field_name}} will not permit illegal drug use by people using the service for whom it is exercising a duty of care. People who use its services who are found to be taking illegal drugs will be treated as being in breach of their contract and will be made aware that both they are breaking the law and {{org_field_name}} cannot be complicit in that.
{{org_field_name}} makes clear to the people who use its services that it will contact the police if it finds any illegal substances in their possession or which might be kept in their accommodation.
{{org_field_name}} recognises that moderate alcohol consumption forms a normal and enjoyable part of many people’s lives. It therefore enables any people who use services who wish to spend leisure time at local public houses to do so subject to risk assessments concerning their personal safety while out, as would be made under any similar circumstances.
People who use services are also permitted to use alcohol for their own personal and social use subject to the following restrictions as will be included in their terms and conditions.
- The use of alcohol must be reasonable and not excessive.
- The use of alcohol must not present a problem to other people who use services and their social contacts.
- If alcohol is kept in people’s accommodation it should preferably be in locked cupboards.
- In some instances, people who use services might ask {{org_field_name}} to keep their alcohol supplies, which will then be locked away, looked after and accessed as are other possessions placed in the home’s safekeeping.
The management of alcohol use must include consideration of possible contraindications with medication or medical conditions and inappropriate access, which will be subject to risk assessments within the person’s care plan. In situations where there is concern identified in relation to the use or misuse of alcohol, discussion should take place with the person who uses services, family members (with agreement of the individual), GP and named worker.
Any person who uses services who shows signs of having an alcohol problem will be encouraged to obtain medical help and treatment to bring it under control. Any interventions made to reduce the problem will be included in the person’s plan of care and subject to regular reassessment and review. {{org_field_name}} will work closely with the person’s medical team to find a satisfactory solution to any difficulties the person has been having.
All those new to the service are informed of {{org_field_name}}’s drugs and alcohol policy during their introductory visit or during their initial interview and must, prior to moving into the service, sign a contract agreeing to these restrictions on alcohol and drug use. {{org_field_name}} reserves the right to refuse provision of service to anyone with established drug or alcohol problems.
Disputes arising with people who use services from the drugs or alcohol policy are addressed initially through a meeting with the person, relatives (where appropriate), their social worker or key worker (if there is one) and the service manager.
Subsequent actions will be determined by the meeting’s outcomes. Where other people who use services put in a complaint, eg because of someone behaving inappropriately under the influence of alcohol, the matter will be investigated by following the provider’s complaints procedure. Individuals who refuse to accept the outcome are directed to the drugs and alcohol clause in the service contract.
Where there are indications of there being potential alcohol problems among people who use services as a group, {{org_field_name}} will seek to provide information through posters and leaflets, etc on the health implications of excessive drinking and the availability of support and treatment services.
Where there is evidence that one or more person is at risk of being harmed by their alcohol use, or are putting other people who use services at risk of harm from their alcohol use, {{org_field_name}} will apply its safeguarding policy. This could include alerting or taking advice from the local safeguarding authority and following its procedures in line with the assessment of the risks involved.
Training
All staff receive training in this policy. The training is included or linked to broader training and policies on safeguarding people who use services from abuse and harm.
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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