Safer Surrey Heath Partnership
- Home
- About Us
- Annual Strategic Assessment
- Community Safety Survey 2007
- Community Safety Initiatives
- Community Safety Handbook 2008
- Applying for Partnership Funding
- News
- Safer Neighbourhood Policing
- Tackling Anti-social Behaviour
- Parenting Support
- Young People
- Surrey's Big Drink Debate
- Crime Prevention Advice
- Neighbourhood Watch
- Tune In Campaign
- Events
- Online Forms
- FAQ
- Contact Us
- Useful Links
Drugs and alcohol misuse
Drugs and alcohol misuse can cause many problems in communities, including an increase in crime and disorder, and so the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership is working hard to keep alcohol and substance misuse in check.
Drugs
There are three classifications of drugs - A, B and C. Possession and possession with intent to supply any of these types of drugs is illegal.
- Class A: drugs include cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin and magic mushrooms
- Class B: drugs include speed (amphetamines) and barbiturates
- Class C: drugs include cannabis, anabolic steroids and tranquilisers such as valium (not prescribed by your doctor)
- Fact: Passing drugs amongst friends is 'supplying', in the eyes of the law
- Fact: Allowing people to take cannabis in your house or any other premises is illegal
- Fact: A drug conviction could stand between you and your ideal job, a place at university, or visiting some countries, e.g. America
Alcohol
Alcohol is part of British life and is not generally regarded as harmful - if taken in moderation. NHS advice on drinking recommends a maximum limit of four units of alcohol a day for men, and three units for women. Remember - one drink isn't always one unit.
The average units are shown below (this varies depending on the strength of the product):
- Pint of premium lager 2.9 units
- Pint of stout 2.4 units
- Large bottle of strong cider 15 units
- Standard glass of wine 2.3 units
- Large glass of wine 3.3 units
- Alcopops 1.4 units
- Double vodka 2.8 units
Remember - these measures are often larger when drinks are poured at home.
When drinking alcohol, you can reduce the health risks by:
- Alternating alcoholic drinks with soft drinks
- Reducing your units by choosing drinks that are not so strong
- Eating before you drink
When you go out drinking:
- Don't leave your drink unattended
- Don't drink and drive - plan how you will get home
- Don't get in an unlicensed taxi
Help is available
Surrey Drug and Alcohol Action Team (Surrey DAAT) works with its partner agencies to prevent, reduce and appropriately treat substance misuse. If you are worried about drugs or alcohol, or unsure of what services you require, call the confidential, 24-hour Surrey Drug Care Helpline on 01483 300112, or call one of the Surrey Heath teams on 01276 62566 or 01483 590150.
National helplines
- NHS Drinkline 0800 917 8282
- Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555
- Talk to Frank 0800 77 66 00
Advice leaflets
 FRANK: The truth about drugs: Know the score Opens in a new window |
 An A to Z of drugs for young people including alcohol, tobacco and solvents. With information about their risks and effects, highs and lows, safety, the law and personal stories |
| FRANK: All about drugs: Does your child know more than you? Opens in a new window |
 Drugs information leaflet for parents and carers with information including: risks and effects, the law, safety, tips on how to talk about drugs, and what to do if you're worried about someone. |
Useful websites
- Alcoholics Anonymous Opens in a new window
- Don't Drug Drive Opens in a new window
- Drink Aware Trust Opens in a new window
- National Association for the Children of Alcoholics Opens in a new window
- NHS Direct Opens in a new window
- Re-solv Opens in a new window
- Surrey Drug and Alcohol Action Team Opens in a new window
- Surrey Primary Care Trust Opens in a new window
- Talk to Frank Opens in a new window