Alcohol, drugs and harm reduction

Alcohol

Alcohol can be part of social activities and celebrations. However, excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect your physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, studies and safety.

If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so responsibly and be aware of the risks associated with excessive drinking.

To help keep our college community safe, the following behaviours are not acceptable:

• Providing alcohol to anyone under 18.
• Using, distributing or consuming alcohol in areas where alcohol is not permitted.
• Drinking alcohol in learning environments, including classrooms, workshops, laboratories and work placement settings, unless it forms part of an approved college activity.

Drugs

Drugs and substance use

You may encounter drug use during your time at college, or you may have concerns about your own drug use. Illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription medication can have serious effects on physical health, mental wellbeing, safety and academic success.

At UHI Inverness, the use, possession or supply of illegal drugs is not permitted on any campus or during college-related activities. For students living in residences, possession or use of illegal drugs may also be a breach of your tenancy agreement. Further information can be found in the Student Code of Conduct.

Students found in possession of, using, or under the influence of illegal substances may be subject to suspension and disciplinary procedures, which could result in exclusion from the college. Supplying, distributing or selling illegal drugs to others is treated as a serious disciplinary matter and may result in immediate expulsion.

What is not acceptable?

To help keep our college community safe, the following behaviours are not acceptable:

• Supplying, sharing, selling or distributing illegal drugs, psychoactive substances (legal highs), controlled drugs, or medication that has not been prescribed to you.
• Using illegal drugs, psychoactive substances or controlled drugs on any UHI Inverness campus or within a work placement setting.
• Failing to inform relevant staff about prescribed medication where side effects may affect your safety or the safety of others.

Harm reduction

We recognise that some individuals may choose to use drugs. Our Harm Reduction Policy sets out our commitment to supporting students and reducing the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.

If you choose to use drugs, it is important to have access to accurate and reliable information about their potential effects, risks and legal implications. This can help you make informed decisions and reduce the risk of harm.

Trusted resources can provide information about:

• The effects and risks associated with different substances
• Drug interactions and overdose awareness
• Staying safer and reducing harm
• The legal status of drugs in the UK
• Support for drug or alcohol use

For information about the risks associated with drugs and ways to reduce harm, visit the Scottish campaign Stop the Deaths.

Getting support

If you are struggling with drug misuse, dependency or addiction, you are not alone. Asking for help can feel difficult, but it is an important step towards improving your wellbeing.

If you are concerned about your own drug or alcohol use, or that of a friend, speak to a member of staff. They can help you access appropriate support and guidance.

Support at UHI Inverness

If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, there are various supports and resources available through UHI Inverness including our Harm Reduction Policy.  

• Speak to a member of staff. If you are a student studying on an FE course (SCQF levels 1–6), you can also speak to your Personal Development Adviser (PDA) about concerns affecting your studies or personal wellbeing.
• Maintain your personal boundaries. If someone is putting pressure on you to do something you do not want to do, you can access resources and support relating to bullying and harassment. FE students can also speak to their PDA.
• Wellbeing Support Service provides confidential support from a team of professional counsellors and is available to all students. The team can also help connect you with external organisations and specialist services where appropriate. Contact the team at wellbeing.ic@uhi.ac.uk.
• Highlands and Islands Students' Association (HISA) provides independent advice and support to students.
• The Sanctuary pastoral service offers impartial support and guidance to all students and staff, regardless of their faith or philosophy of life.

External support

Your local GP can provide advice, support or referrals to relevant services.

Alcohol

• Drinkaware provides independent alcohol advice, information and tools to help people make informed choices about their drinking.
• Drinkchat is a free, confidential chat service provided by Drinkaware for anyone concerned about their own or someone else's alcohol use.
• Al-Anon offers local support groups across the UK for anyone affected by someone else's drinking.
• Adfam provides information and support for families affected by someone else's alcohol or drug use, including guidance on finding local support services.
• RCA Trust offers support for people experiencing alcohol addiction, including counselling and group work.
• Alcohol Change UK provides information, tips and support around drinking, cutting down and accessing treatment.
• Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs offers support and advice to individuals and families affected by, or concerned about, someone else's alcohol or drug use.
• Alcohol Focus Scotland provides information and advice on reducing alcohol-related harm, including information about alcohol use during pregnancy.
• SMART Recovery provides meetings and programmes for people in recovery, as well as support for family and friends.

Drugs

• Scottish Drug Services Directory helps you find local support for drug use and related concerns.
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides peer support and regular meetings for people seeking recovery from drug addiction.
• SMART Recovery provides recovery programmes and meetings led by trained facilitators. You can search for a meeting by postcode or city.
• Know the Score provides information, a confidential advice line and signposting to local services.
• Talk to FRANK provides information, advice and support for anyone concerned about the impact of drug use on themselves or someone they know, including helpline, live chat and text support.
• With You provides support for anyone affected by drug use, including information, online chat and access to local treatment services.
• NHS – Getting help with drug addiction provides information about getting support for drug addiction.
• Substances Support Scotland provides specialist support for people experiencing substance-related problems.
• Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs offers support and advice to individuals and families affected by, or concerned about, someone else's alcohol or drug use.
• Stop the Deaths provides information about preventing drug-related deaths, recognising the signs of an overdose and accessing naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
• Release provides free, non-judgemental, specialist advice and information about drug use and drug laws, including legality, drug offences, police searches and sentencing.

Please note: UHI Inverness is not responsible for the content of external websites and may not be aware when information has been changed.