Substance misuse

There are many benefits to reducing your alcohol consumption, some you may expect and others that may be a surprise. Cutting down can be good for your general health, improve how you feel and have a positive impact on other parts of your life such as relationships and work.

The UK government recommend that men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. It can be hard to work out how much a 'unit' is. Visit the NHS website to find out.

With the right support it is possible to get drug free and stay that way. If addicted to drugs you are entitled to NHS care in the same was as anyone else who has a health problem. For more information on drug addiction visit the NHS website below.

Use open discovery questions to make the most of conversations by recognising an opportunity to discuss health and wellbeing.

This could be 'How do you feel about your alcohol/drug consumption?' or 'what would you like to change about your habit?'

Acknowledge the response by using healthy conversation skills such as active listening, reflecting or showing empathy. This will allow for a joint understanding of the support a person needs.

Take appropriate action to either give information, signpost to a local service or refer them yourself. Remember that the solution must be person centered and they must want to change.

Across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland there are services in place to support attempts to manage or end substance misuse.

Turning Point work with anyone across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who want support to make a change

Turning Point Leicestershire & Rutland are offering free training for professionals to enhance their knowledge about substances, including both alcohol and drug use and misuse.

The training will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams, with the following dates now available:

• Friday 18th October 2024 - 10.00-12.00
• Thursday 6th February 2025 - 10.00-12.00
• Tuesday 17th June 2025 - 10.00-12.00
• Tuesday 23rd September 2025 - 10.00-12.00

With the right help and support, it's possible for you to get drug free and stay that way, for more information please visit

Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help, please visit