Luton Drug & Alcohol Partnership Luton Drug Strategy 2011-2014 The Luton partnership strategy for 2011 2014 reflects the Government s change in emphasis for drug treatment to support more people to become drug free and continues to prioritise preventing harm to young people. Aims The three interrelated aims are: To support adults to live a drug free life and if applicable free from offending To prevent young people from being harmed by alcohol and/or drug use To reduce the supply of illegal drugs thereby reducing crime in Luton Luton is a densely populated urban area with particular issues around worklessness, housing, diversity and crime, all of which have implications for drug use, drug treatment, drug supply and the challenges for young people growing up in Luton. The previous strategy focused on increasing the numbers entering treatment, reducing drug related crime, increasing access to education, training, employment and accommodation and supporting drug users to become independent and self reliant. This revised strategy places an increased focus on supporting adults to live a drug free life and if applicable free from offending, ensuring that the necessary support systems are in place for each individual to achieve this. To be successful, drug treatment needs to take a holistic approach to the person, tackling associated problems such as housing, employment and emotional well being. By preventing harm to, and engaging with, children, young people and families affected by drug use the numbers of problematic adult users has reduced over the past decade and most young people are better informed to make choices about their lifestyle.
Strategic Priority One To support adults to live a drug free life Existing evidence based services Drug services in Luton are commissioned in an integrated manner, providing choice for clients in line with evidence based practice and aim to achieve the most effective outcomes for clients. The majority of agencies are located near or in central Luton and are generally accessible by bus routes or on foot. Progress to date The number of problematic opiate and crack users in effective treatment has increased from 808 in 2009 2010 to 836 in 2010 2011 against a target of 780 The proportion of opiate and crack users who accessed structured treatment who successfully completed in 2010 2011 was 8.5% which is rated in the second from top quartile nationally Trend data shows that of the 515 clients successfully discharged between April 2005 and March 2010, 78% did not re-present within 12 months Aspirations Drug users working towards achieving and maintaining a drug free lifestyle will be able to do this in partnership with drug agencies, education, training, employment, housing services, family support services, wider health services, social enterprise, voluntary agencies and where relevant prison, probation and youth justice services to ensure that they have an individualised package of care Treatment interventions continue to be evidence based and are effective in supporting people towards becoming drug and crime free Drug users will be able to choose a personalised pathway of care including information, harm reduction, treatment and support, which will enable them to become independent, self reliant, healthier and live a crime free life The commissioners will achieve improvements in the following areas in line with budget constraints and ensuring value for money by: Continuing to review and redevelop the treatment system to meet the needs of drug users in achieving their independence and self reliance Improving the range of psychological therapies to support the emotional health needs of drug users Increasing the number of successful completions for opiate and crack users from 100 in 2010 2011 to 120 for 2012 2013 and to 140 by 2014
Strategic Priority Two Prevent young people from being harmed by alcohol and/or drug use Existing evidence based services Young people s alcohol and drug services are commissioned on an integrated basis and have been designed to meet local needs and provide evidence-based interventions. The services operate in line with the National Treatment Agency (NTA) guidance and provide easily accessible diversionary activities, harm reduction services, psychological interventions, pharmacological support and access to residential placements. The care pathways are designed to ensure that these young people are able to access support easily and receive high quality interventions. Progress to date Over 6000 young people attended information workshops about alcohol and drugs in their school or college Over 2000 young people attended workshops about alcohol and drugs arranged by community groups Around 150 young people received harm reduction advice in A&E, 148 on the paediatric wards and GP surgeries and a further 100 received harm reduction advice on an individual basis at the alcohol or drug service Each year around 50 young people seek assistance from alcohol and drug workers with issues about their cannabis and alcohol use 44 young people were assessed by the Youth Offending Service (YOS) as being in need of information and advice about alcohol and drugs particularly cannabis. This advice service has been extended to include parents and carers Aspirations In line with the Children s & Young People s Trust Strategy the commissioners will achieve improvements in the following areas ensuring value for money by: Enhancing the quality of information workshops to schools, colleges and communities Commissioning one multi-disciplinary service to offer the full range of information, advice and interventions for young people in order to target and coordinate resources more effectively and provide young people with a greater range of holistic care Ensuring that young people are able to access structured services as appropriate. This averages around 50 per year and it is expected this performance will be maintained Working with partner agencies to improve access to education, training and employment opportunities and access to housing
Strategic Priority Three Tackling the supply of illegal drugs thereby reducing crime in Luton The police sit at the heart of local enforcement. Good neighbourhood policing will gather intelligence on local dealers, provide reassurance and visibility to the public and deter those who would otherwise try to disrupt neighbourhoods. Progress to date In 2010 2011 87 warrants were executed for Class A drugs which exceeded the target of 80. The main drugs seized were heroin, cocaine and crack. 23 cannabis factories were located and closed. 166 people were arrested for Class B drug offences. The police continued to maximise the confiscation of the proceeds of drug dealing and the final outcome for the year is awaited. Throughout the year the police press office issued press releases about the arrests and sentencing of drug dealers. Young people s alcohol and drug workers and youth workers were updated regularly to brief young people. The Bedfordshire Integrated Offender Management became operational on 1st June 2011 and will target the offenders who cause most harm to the community including those drug-using offenders who are reluctant to engage in treatment and continue to offend. By providing increased surveillance and support it is expected that a number will access drug treatment and significantly reduce their re-offending. Aspirations The Bedfordshire Police Force Strategic Plan 2011 2015 aims to deliver the following outcomes namely protection of life, protection from violence, protection of property and protection from disorder. The performance priorities are to reduce serious acquisitive crime, burglary, robbery and vehicle crime which link strategically with tackling the supply of illegal drugs. Therefore: The police will ensure that Luton is a high-risk area for drug dealers by effective disruption of their activities and to reduce the adverse impact on local communities The police with local partner agencies will ensure that vulnerable young people are aware that drug dealing is a high-risk activity and reduce the attraction of dealing as an alternative to employment and protect young people from the impact of illegal drugs Police enforcement activity and adults supporting young people will wherever possible protect vulnerable young people from the impact of illegal drugs The police, probation service and partner agencies work together in an integrated offender management team to divert drug-using offenders away from drugs and reduce reoffending
Illegal Drug Information Effects Harms Legal Status Cannabis puff, grass, weed, skunk, dope, hash, solid, whacky backy, draw, gear, pot, marijuana From the cannabis sativa or indica plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the bit that gets people stoned. Comes as solid lump (hash) or grassy with twigs & seeds (weed) or sticky bud (skunk) Smoked, brewed in tea or added to food. Relaxing and stimulating. Increased or decreased sociability and talkativeness. Mild sensory changes. Paranoia, panic attacks, anxiety, shortterm memory loss. Reduced co-ordination and inhibitions. Respiratory problems if smoked, including lung cancer. Class B drug - 5 years for possession Up to 14 years for supply Unlimited fines. Passing drugs among friends is supplying in the eyes of the law. Cocaine Cocaine - charlie, coke, toot, dust, snow, white Comes from the leaves of the coca shrub in the form of a white powder and is taken orally, sniffed, smoked or injected. A short euphoric rush or high, increased energy, confidence, libido and alertness. Anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, hallucinations, depressions, impotence, insomnia, sickness, talking rubbish, physical dependency. Damage to nose (if snorted). Lung and/or heart failure. Dangerous to mix with other drugs including alcohol. Risk of overdose. Class A drug - 7 years for possession Up to life in prison for supply Unlimited fines Crack rocks, wash, stones, base, freebase A concentrated form of cocaine that comes in the form of a small white rock and is smoked in a pipe or prepared for injection. The effects are the same as cocaine but are quicker, sharper and higher. The come down too is quicker, and more intense. High risk of physical dependency. Other risks are as with cocaine but crack is an expensive habit and difficult to control. Class A drug - 7 years for possession Up to life in prison for supply Unlimited fines Heroin brown, gear, skag, H, smack One of a group of synthetic drugs called opiates which are derived from the opium poppy. Street heroin is usually brownish white colour. It can be taken orally, smoked, sniffed or injected. First time use can cause vomiting and dizziness. Heroin creates a feeling of warmth and well being. At higher dosages users may become drowsy, find it hard to talk and may appear to fall asleep for a few minutes at a time. Highly addictive, Tolerance increases so users need more and more and withdrawal symptoms develop (cold turkey). There is a high risk of HIV and Hepatitis if injecting. Overdose risk is very high - especially when used with other drugs. Class A drug - 7 years for possession Up to life in prison for supply Unlimited fines
Useful contacts Needle Exchanges Clarendon Link, 34 Clarendon Road. Westbourne Pharmacy, Westbourne Road. Sai s Chemist, 100 Dunstable Road. Lloyds Pharmacy, Purley Centre. P&I Smith, St Dominic s Square. NOAH centre for homeless open 7 days a week. 141 Park Street, 01582 728416. ADIBOP (Asian Drug Information and Befriending Outreach Project) - advice, information and support for drug users and their families. 100 Leagrave Road, 01582 519503. Clarendon Link information, advice and support to reduce harm for drug users and their families, no appointment needed. 34 Clarendon Road, 01582 439480. JKP for adults and PUKE for young people with concerns about alcohol. Advice on keeping safe, problem solving and alternative fun activities. 17 Napier Road, 01582 723434. Respite House short stay respite and stabilisation available for drug and alcohol users needing a safe place to stabilise or detox. Contact Shared Care Drug Service on 01582 708308. Reconnect improving emotional wellbeing through structured counselling. 2-12 Victoria Street (entrance through the car park at rear), 01582 455080. Support for Family and Friends meet up at home, cafe or the office time to talk, understand and look after yourself. Call Paula on 07899 992205. Shared Care Drug Service for adults GP prescribing for heroin, medical advice on harm reduction for crack and cocaine. Clody House, 100 Collingdon Street, 01582 708308. Underground - Young Peoples Drug Service - for those under 25 advice and support with prescribing for problems with heroin and harm reduction for crack, cocaine and cannabis problems. 53-55 Cardiff Road, 01582 657558. Community care and residential rehabilitation - for those wishing to be alcohol and/or drug free. For assessment call the social worker on 01582 708308. Luton Drug & Alcohol Specialist Service community based prescribing services for those with drug, alcohol and mental health problems. 15-17 Cardiff Road, 01582 528880. Luton Drug & Alcohol Partnership Tel: 01582 709231 www.lutondap.org