Child Substance Misuse

Alcohol - Drunkenness

Observable intoxication due to alcohol consumption, often involving impaired judgment, coordination, or behaviour. Concerns usually relate to the age of the individual or the impact of their behaviour.

Alcohol Misuse 

Child and Young Person: The harmful use of alcohol by a child or young person, leading to physical, mental, or social problems, or putting them at risk.

Smoking

A child or young person engaging in smoking tobacco products. Concerns relate to health impacts, addiction, and potential for association with other risky behaviours.

Snus

A type of moist, powdered tobacco, often placed under the lip. In a safeguarding context, concerns might arise from its use by minors, potential health impacts, or association with substance use.

Vaping

A child or young person using e-cigarettes or "vapes." Concerns relate to health impacts, addiction to nicotine, and potential gateway to other substance use.

Drug Misuse 

Child and Young Person: The harmful use of illegal drugs or the misuse of legal drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) by a child or young person, leading to physical, mental, or social problems, or putting them at risk.

Drug Overdose

An excessive and dangerous dose of a drug, potentially leading to severe health consequences or death. Concerns relate to the individual's safety and potential underlying drug misuse.

Drug Paraphernalia

Items used in the consumption of drugs (e.g., pipes, needles, scales). Finding such items, especially in a child's possession or home, indicates potential drug involvement.

Drug Possession

Unlawful ownership or control of illegal drugs. This category signals direct involvement with illegal substances.

Drug Related

A broad category indicating that the concern or incident involves drugs in some capacity, such as drug use, dealing, or drug-induced behaviour, without specifying the exact nature (as other more specific categories exist). This serves as a general flag for drug involvement.

Drug Supply

The act of providing or distributing illegal drugs to others, which can have significant criminal and safeguarding implications, particularly if children are involved.