Alcohol, drugs and substance misuse

Problematic drug and alcohol use can cause a lot of harm to the individual, the family, the local community and to society as a whole. To create safe environments free from drug and alcohol misuse we work in partnership with other organisations to address the various problems caused.

Derby and Derbyshire Drug and Alcohol Strategic Partnership

In 2021 the Government launched the National Drug Strategy: From Harm to Hope. The strategy aims to combat illegal drugs by reducing the supply of drugs, changing attitudes towards drug use and providing people with high-quality support to achieve a drug-free life. The priorities of the national strategy are:

Priority 1: Break drug supply chains.

Priority 2: Deliver a world-class treatment and recovery system.

Priority 3: Achieve a generational shift in the demand for drugs.

The Council is part of the Derby and Derbyshire Drug and Alcohol Strategic Partnership which is a multi-agency partnership that aims to tackle drug and alcohol-related harm and support the delivery of the national strategy at a local level.

What does the Council do to reduce the harm caused by drug and alcohol use?

The Council is involved in a range of partnership activities such as:

• removing needles and drug-related litter as part of the street cleaning programme
• issuing licences for the sale and supply of alcohol
• supporting pharmacy services through needle and syringe programmes
• buying services that help people to recover from drug and alcohol use
• overseeing partnership work to manage the night-time economy
• working with Derbyshire Constabulary to reduce the supply of illegal drugs
• working with Police Safe Neighbourhood Teams to address antisocial behaviour issues caused by drugs and alcohol
• working with schools and local health services to educate young people about the harm of drugs and alcohol
• safeguarding children and vulnerable adults affected by drug and alcohol use.