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Avoiding Harmful Substances

Avoiding Harmful Substances

Population Outcome: People in Suffolk and North East Essex Stay Well

Many people use substances for enjoyment, to help them relax, or as a coping mechanism when life becomes difficult. However, they can cause harm to both physical and mental health and be more difficult to stop using because they can become addictive. These include alcohol, drugs, and tobacco smoking. Alcohol is one of the big rising risks to health in the UK, and tobacco remains as the leading cause of preventable illness.

Indicators

Barometer Measure

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Data about Alcohol

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Drug Misuse Data

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The Story Behind the Outcome

Lived Experience

Films

Reports

Healthwatch Essex explores experiences of addiction, including the support available and barriers to seeking support.

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Published Evidence

Alcohol

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References & Further Reading

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Our Ambition

What we know matters to people and why

What matters?	Why?
I understand the signs and risks of using harmful substances	Having the information I need to recognise the risks of harmful substances and addiction early means I can obtain the right help quickly. Understanding the underlying physical, emotional, social and economic factors that lead to my addiction, helps me to get the right help to reduce the risk of addiction and misuse of harmful substances.
I have access to support and treatment for my use of harmful substances and addiction	Having the information I need to recognise addictive behaviours early means I can obtain the right help quickly. Understanding the underlying physical, emotional, social and economic factors that lead to using harmful substances, helps me to get the right help to reduce the risk of addiction.
I am treated as an individual	Treating me, my carer and my family with dignity and respect, recognising my culture, characteristics and life circumstances, means my care and support is inclusive, sensitive and responsive to my needs.
I am seen and heard	Having choice and control over my treatment and care means I can better manage my health and wellbeing and recovery.

How will things be different in Suffolk and North East Essex

We will ensure people have the information they need on the harms from smoking, alcohol, drugs and gambling to recognise addiction and misuse of harmful substances and make informed choices to reduce the harms they cause.	We will Support carers and families to enable people to prevent and reduce harms from use of substances and addiction.
We will support people to manage the stresses and isolation that can lead to harmful behaviours	We will support people to maintain their health and wellbeing before, while waiting for, during and after treatment to help them stay well and recover well.
We will co-produce high quality treatment, care and support with people with lived experience of misuse of substances and addiction.