Policies

Student drugs and alcohol misuse policy

1. Introduction

1.1

The University of Leicester is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for students to achieve their potential in their educational goals and become citizens of change. The University will take reasonable steps to ensure that the health, safety, and wellbeing of students is not jeopardised through drug and alcohol misuse, whilst understanding drug and alcohol dependency is a chronic, progressive disease requiring help and support.

1.2

The University recognises its responsibility to promote healthy and safe behaviours, and harm reduction in relation to alcohol consumption and to comply with its legal requirements regarding the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

1.3

Drug and alcohol misuse damages physical and mental health, affects cognitive abilities and can lead to dependency which can cause major life disruptions, but we acknowledge addiction and dependency requires then a level of support from inside and outside the institution.

1.4

Drug and alcohol misuse can also have an impact on the wider University community through increased health and safety risks, antisocial behaviours, vulnerability to coercion, and may be a contributory factor in a conduct matter.

1.5

The University is committed to raising awareness of the potential damage that drug and alcohol misuse can cause. It will actively discourage the misuse of drugs or alcohol by seeking to put students’ health and wellbeing at the centre of its approach. The University sees reducing harm and providing support as its primary function to enable students to stay in study.

1.6

If the University needs to address any issues associated with student drug and alcohol misuse through the conduct process, we will at the same time ensure that students who are in need of support or have identified a problem can get the help they require.

1.7

Drug misuse is defined as the use of a substance for a purpose not consistent with legal or medical guidelines (WHO, 2006). It has a negative impact on health or functioning and may take the form of drug dependence, or be part of a wider spectrum of problematic or harmful behaviour (DH, 2006b).

2. Policy aims

2.1

This policy aims to articulate the University’s position in relation to the misuse of drugs and alcohol and the ways in which it will promote healthy and safe behaviours, tackle conduct matters, and provide support to those that require it.

2.2

Through this policy the University aims to encourage students who have or may have a drug or alcohol dependency or are at a risk of addiction to seek help.

2.3

The University will tackle drug and alcohol related problems by:

  • Raising awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse
  • Supporting students who are affected by drug and alcohol misuse and/or addiction by providing clear signposting to the support available and encouraging them to access treatment where possible
  • Offering support to students who seek it
  • Using a person-centred approach and dealing with cases in a sensitive, fair, and consistent manner
  • Taking conduct actions under regulations where required.

3. Definitions

3.1

All controlled drugs listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and any substances covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Class A drugs
  • Class B drugs
  • Class C drugs

3.2

Misuse of prescription medicines is where the medicines have not been prescribed for the person possessing or using them and/or such prescription medicines which are not taken in accordance with a doctor’s direction.

3.3

Alcohol misuse: drinking alcohol in a harmful way which adversely affects the individual’s health, performance or conduct and causes harm to others.

3.4

Support and harm reduction are the key drivers of this policy, and this is the lens through which this policy views drug and alcohol misuse.

4. Scope

4.1

This policy applies to all students.

4.2

This policy applies to any misuse of drugs and alcohol. As well as on University premises this could apply to other locations such as field trips, clubs and society events, and private accommodation, as well as pubs and clubs in the city. This list is by no means exhaustive.

4.3

This policy applies to conduct issues that are related to drug and alcohol misuse.

5. Legal framework 

Whilst we are taking a harm reduction, support focussed approach to drug and alcohol misuse and ensuring our students are given as much information as possible on the dangers of substance abuse, nevertheless there are still legal frameworks, and conduct polices that need to be acknowledged.

5.1

The University acknowledges and is compliant with its legal duties towards providing a safe and healthy environment for students, staff and visitors.

5.2

It is a criminal offence to produce, supply, possess, or import a controlled drug, as defined under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

5.3

It is also a criminal offence to produce, supply, possess with the intent to supply, or import psychoactive substances, as defined under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.

5.4

The supply and consumption of alcohol are subject to restrictions under the Alcohol Licensing Act 1964.

6. Student code of conduct

6.1

Students are expected to follow University’s regulations governing student conduct as outlined in Senate Regulation 11. 

6.2

As stated in Regulation 11.17 (f) “Students must not engage in any potentially criminal activity. The University will not tolerate theft or fraud, or the possession, supply or production of controlled substances.”

6.3

Senate Regulation 11 further details non-academic misconduct which is relevant to this policy and therefore should be read in conjunction.

6.4

Students in breach of the regulation will be subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in Senate Regulation 11.

6.5

In order to provide a fair and person-centred approach, Students will be offered support during disciplinary actions.

7. Roles and responsibilities

7.1

It is the responsibility of all students to comply with this policy and to seek help if they are experiencing drug and alcohol misuse/addiction issues.

7.2

All staff are responsible to report any student conduct issues related to drug and alcohol misuse. This does not preclude asking for the student to be supported simultaneously. All students who undergo a conduct process are offered emotional support, and specialist support can be provided in these instances.

7.3

All staff are responsible for promoting healthy and safe behaviours, with supporting resources provided.

7.4

Personal tutors and PGR supervisors within academic departments are responsible for signposting their personal tutees or PhD students to support services if drug and alcohol misuse related issues arise or are suspected. Whilst these pastoral conversations are by their nature private and sometimes confidential, it is important to safeguard a student from harm, and this will supersede any issues of confidentiality.

7.5

Student support services are responsible for providing support to students to help their wellbeing and to work with them to tackle unhealthy habits and addiction issues. They are also responsible for signposting to external specialist services where required.

7.6

Student support services are responsible for promoting healthy and safe behaviours through varied student engagement activities and on different communication platforms.

7.7

The Cause for Concern group will ensure the implementation of this policy.

7.8

The University and Students' Union should work together on positive awareness raising campaigns around health, wellbeing, safety, and understanding the potential damage of alcohol and drug misuse.

8. Support available

8.1

The University recognises that drug or alcohol misuse can be related to an underlying health and wellbeing issue, and therefore wishes to support individuals with such a problem.

8.2

Students that have a drug or alcohol related problem or are worried about another student’s drug or alcohol related problem, should seek specialist advice and support as soon as possible.

8.3

The University encourages students to engage with specialist support and/or treatment on offer.

8.4

It is recognised that the impact can be much wider than just the person engaged in drug and alcohol misuse. Support will also be provided for students living with or otherwise affected by another’s alcohol or drug misuse.

8.5

The University’s Student Support Services offers a range of support and holds relevant information for further specialist signposting.

8.6

Students have access to a confidential and therapeutic space within the Wellbeing Service (log-in required) to discuss issues impacting their psychological wellbeing. Please note that confidentiality will be broken if there is any harm to the individual or to others, please see the Wellbeing Service’s confidentiality statement.

8.7

Where there are professional body requirements in relation to drug and alcohol use, the academic department will have local level processes to manage the support and signposting to relevant services.

8.8

External support can be found through:

Appendix 1: Related policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies:

  • Senate Regulation 11: Regulations governing student conduct and discipline
  • Mental health policy
  • Student Safeguarding and Prevent policy
  • Support to Study policy
  • Fitness to Practice policies
  • Health and Safety policy
  • Reasonable Adjustment policy
  • Dignity and Respect policy

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