Course rationale

This one-day course will equip managers with the skills and confidence to deal effectively with staff who have problems with drugs and/or alcohol. Included in the programme are sessions addressing the specific needs of drug-using staff, the types of situations in which information should be recorded, ways of approaching staff about their problems and the legal implications, ensuring that participants are able to work with their staff in a supportive and constructive way.

Course objectives

On completion of the course participants will be able to:

• Identify their own attitudes to drug use and their role in helping someone address their drug taking behaviour.

• Describe factors that encourage people to use drugs and also to stop using drugs

• Discuss the effects of substance use on relationships, life-style, recreation and leisure activities, physical and emotional health.

• Identify what needs a staff member may have following substance use (both immediate and long-term).

• List any legal issues surrounding the substance use by a staff member.

• Develop skills in how to approach a staff member about their substance useOutline why, when and how information about substance use by a staff member should be reported and recorded.