In this section

• Sheffield Approach
• Information and Education about
  Substances
• Substance Misuse - what
  constitutes a problem?
• Harm Reduction
• Roles and Responsibilities

Substance Misuse - what constitutes a problem?

We agree with The Health Advisory Service report “The Substance of Young Needs” (2001) which states that:

'one off and experimental use of drugs and alcohol cannot in itself be seen as indicative of having caused actual harm or being related to any personal disorder'.

In other words the fact that a young person has taken a substance should not lead to the automatic conclusion that there is a problem or condition to be treated. However, it is essential to recognise that all substance taking by young people carries potential harm.

Most often, it is the effect that substance misuse can have on self esteem, family life, educational attainment, social functioning and offending behaviour, that are the most damaging and dangerous outcomes for young people, far more than the immediate health risks, which may in some cases be very low. What this means, for example, is that a 15 year old who uses cannabis all day and every day is at more ongoing risk than a young person who has used heroin only once 6 months ago. This is despite the fact that in terms of physical risk of overdose and death, heroin is a much more dangerous drug than cannabis.

We believe that all agencies in Sheffield need to be aware of the ways that substance use and misuse can affect the young people they work with. Specialist services like the SHED Service will provide easy to access advice, consultation and support to non-drug specialist workers, to help them make decisions and support the young people they work with.