Drug Awareness and Harm Reduction Approaches

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This training provides a clear, trauma‑informed understanding of why people use substances, how dependency develops, and what withdrawal and coping behaviours can look like in real life. It explores the psychology behind substance use, the impact of trauma and adversity, and the social and cultural factors that shape people’s relationships with drugs.

Participants learn about common and emerging substances, current trends in the drug market, associated risks, and the realities of UK drug policy. The course emphasises harm reduction as both a practical toolkit and a compassionate philosophy - supporting practitioners to reduce harm, improve engagement, and work respectfully with people who use drugs.

Designed for anyone supporting people who use substances, including:

• Drug and alcohol services
• Mental health teams
• Housing and homelessness services
• Social care and safeguarding
• Criminal justice and probation
• Third sector and community organisations

• Why people use substances and how dependency develops
• The role of trauma, ACEs, and social context in shaping substance use
• Key information on common drugs, risks, and emerging trends
• The principles and practice of harm reduction
• How UK drug policy influences service responses
• Approaches that reduce harm while respecting autonomy and humanity
• How to move away from moralised or punitive views of drug use

The training is practical, reflective, and grounded in real‑world experience. Participants leave with a clearer understanding of substance use, greater confidence in harm‑reduction conversations, and a more compassionate, evidence‑informed approach to supporting people who use drugs.