Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report presented by Anne Charlesworth, Head of Alcohol and Drug Strategy Team at NHS Rotherham, which set out how Rotherham had considerable issues and problems in relation to alcohol misuse, some of the indicators pointing to the fact that even amongst other areas in the Yorkshire and Humber region, Rotherham’s population were excessive consumers of alcohol.

The patterns and trends of Rotherham’s drug using population have remained static for some years characterised predominantly by opiate (heroin) use, but with increasing amounts of crack and cocaine use.  Young Peoples Substance Misuse featured alcohol predominantly, but with increasing numbers experiencing difficulties with their use of cannabis and a range of other “recreational” drugs. 

The Safer Rotherham Partnership also acted as a Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) to which the Alcohol and Drug Strategy Team reported.

Good progress was being made against the local Alcohol Strategy, but more sustained effort would be required in order to make the necessary impact on excessive alcohol consumption in the borough.

Good progress was being made to engage with drug users and access them into treatment, although there needed to be more sustained effort to ensure that more drug users left the treatment system in a planned and sustainable way. 

Further information was provided on the issues associated with teenage drinking, treatment services and long term educational plans for young people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction.

A discussion and answer session ensued and the following issues were raised and subsequently clarified:-

·              How widespread the problem with alcohol was.

·              Use of cannabis and its classification.

·              Methadone treatments and the drive to use it to assist in the reduction of crime in the borough.

·              Access to drugs whilst in prison.

·              Health profile and the designation of problem areas by ward.

·              Complacency and normalised view of alcohol use by young people.

·              Educational involvement into the dangers of alcohol and drug misuse in schools.

·              The placing of “clean” users back in areas of the borough where they may be at risk of temptation.

·              Voluntary and community sector support and how this could be promoted through Area Assemblies.

·              The Parenting Strategy and how entrenched family problems could be dealt with.

·              Problems being encountered within minority groups and how treatment could be accessed.

·              Awareness raising of the risks associated with drug and alcohol use in the BME community.

Resolved:-  (1)  That Anne Charlesworth be thanked for her informative report.

(2)  That it be noted that a summary of the current assessment of need and strategic objections in relation to tackling Rotherham’s adult drug using population was available in the Strategic Summary of the 2010/11 Treatment Plan.

(3)  That the Young Peoples Substance Misuse Plan equally undertake a needs assessment and set out some key issues for the coming year.

(4)  That it be noted that in relation to alcohol a report was presented to the Safer Rotherham Partnership earlier today outlining progress against the local Alcohol Strategy and highlighting areas that needed improvement.

(5)  That the recommendations made within the papers submitted be supported.

(6)  That a health profile by ward be made available for Elected Members.