Substance Misuse Coordination Unit
If you want to know more about controlled drugs or the dangers that are apparent our substance misuse co-ordination unit can possibly give you the information you need.
Anyone that is affected by substance misuse can get advice. Whatever the substance it may be drugs, alcohol, new physchoactive substances (legal highs) or volatile substances, some users want assistance to come off their addiction. Other members of the public may need assistance or require to be informed the dangers of substance misuse.
The Substance misuse officer is involved in reducing the demand and highlighting the harm of controlled drugs, alcohol and volatile substances in our area. The unit aims to cut the demand for substance misuse through education, diversionary activities and thoughtful support.
The substance misuse co-ordination unit is part of our Crime Management Services and is based in Loreburn Street Police Station in Dumfries. As with all our specialist units the work it does is used throughout the region.
The unit works within the drug squad and links closely with community policing unit and many other national and local organisations to offer support, advice and guidance to people about substance misuse. These other organisations include: other Scottish police forces, the NHS, the local authority, Alcohol Drug partnership (ADP), Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency (SCDEA) and other drugs treatment agencies. All the work is done to reduce the harm and demand that substances and the damage may cause to a person, family or friend.
The unit works with all members of the community, from local school children to known drug users and tries to help them either stay off drugs or try find ways for them to get support. The unit is involved in numerous educational projects an example of which is Choices for Life, this is an event for primary seven pupils and highlights the dangers of drink and drugs through entertainment. This national event has grown each year and almost all primary sevens in our region now take part.
The substance misuse co-ordination unit plays an important role in our education and attempts to reduce the harm and demand of all forms of substances. It confronts substance abuse at the start, and has the view if people are given the full facts they might make different lifestyle choices. If you know about what happens to you and your body when you take substances then you will make an informed choice. You hopefully may realise that abusing the substance is not for you.
You will probably know that the abuse of alcohol and controlled drugs is a major concern for all police forces. The illegal drug trade is worth millions globally and no region is immune. We believe you should know the possible dangers of abusing controlled drugs and what may happen if you decide to use them.
Unfortunately the abuse of alcohol and drugs touches many families in a variety of ways. Even if you think you or your family is free from substance misuse, you may have suffered in other ways. Substance misuse often has a ripple effect that will be felt right through the community as the user may turn to other kinds of crime to feed their needs. Drugs, alcohol and volatile substance abuse may harm the individual and the community.
If you want information or help on substance misuse contact the substance misuse unit.
Contact us
You can contact our Substance Misuse Coordinator between the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm seven days a week:
Drugs survey
Is your community affected by illegal drug trade? What should our priorities be to tackle it? Let us know by completing our short survey.
