Many criminal offences are committed by people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The use of alcohol or drugs can also make you more vulnerable to the threat of crime and carries a number of associated risks which can impact on health, academic performance, relationships, employment and housing.
A part of drug or alcohol-related criminality can be prevented by providing treatment for and recovery from addiction. In Derbyshire, organisations are working together to invest in solutions which will help to break these patterns of behaviour and ultimately the associated crime cycles.
How can drug and alcohol intervention improve my safety?
There is significant evidence that drug and alcohol treatment services are a cost-effective way of reducing crime and antisocial behaviour.
A number of organisations in the county have responsibility for ensuring there is sufficient drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services, as well as support for families and wider communities, to reduce the impact of substance misuse related crime and anti-social behaviour. The Local Authority’s Public Health team commissions drug and alcohol treatment services which anyone can access either by referral from a professional, or directly to the agency. PCCs are responsible for commissioning services from charity, voluntary and community sector organisations which aim to help offenders and individuals break their addictions. Additionally, the Derbyshire PCC invests in substance misuse workers to be available in local police custody suites and courts so that offenders can get help at the earliest opportunity.
For further information on drug and alcohol services in the county of Derbyshire please visit www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk
For further information on drug and alcohol services in Derby City please visit www.derbysubstancemisuseservices.org.uk
Where can I go for help?
If you have a drug or alcohol problem, or know of friends and family members who do, there are a number of organisations within Derbyshire which can help with the recovery.