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Combatting Drugs and Alcohol
Harmful drinking and substance misuse both have wide-ranging effects on not only the individuals effected but their families and communities. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) defines harmful drinking as a pattern of alcohol consumption that causes health problems, including psychological problems such as depression, alcohol-related accidents or physical illness such as acute pancreatitis. Harmful drinkers can become dependent which NICE defines as characterised by craving, tolerance, a preoccupation with alcohol and continued drinking in spite of harmful consequences. Substance or drug misuse is defined by the World health Organisation (WHO) as, ‘the use of a substance for a purpose not consistent with legal or medical guidelines’. It has a negative impact on health and may take the form of drug dependence, or be part of a wider spectrum of problematic or harmful behaviour. Drug dependence is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.
Key Messages Drugs:
In County Durham:
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- The rate of hospital admissions due to substance misuse (15 to 24 years) was 58.3 per 100,000 . This is statistically similar to England and better than the North East. (2020/21-22/23).
- 6.2% of opiate users had successful completion of drug treatment in 2023. This is statistical similar to England (5.1%).
- 36.5% of non-opiate users had successful completion of drug treatment in 2023. This is statistical better to England (29.5%).
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Key Messages Alcohol:
In County Durham:
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- The rate for hospital admissions for alcohol related conditions (broad) was 2,040 per 100,000 This is statistically significantly worse than England and better than the North East. (2023/24)
- 37.6% of people successfully completed alcohol treatment in 2023. This is statistically better than England (34.2%).
- The alcohol-related mortality rate was 55.5 per 100,000. This is statistically significantly worse than England. (40.7) ( 2023).
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Combatting Drugs and Alcohol data report:
Click the report tabs to explore more data around Combatting Drugs and Alcohol in County Durham & Darlington. Click on the expand button in the bottom right of the box to open in full screen mode
Assessment and Audits
Combatting Drugs and Alcohol Needs Assessment 2022 – DCC (in development)
Links to Strategies and plans
Combatting Drugs and Alcohol Operational Group Delivery Plan (in development)
The evidence base
NICE Guidance: Alcohol-use disorders: preventionOHID: Alcohol and drug misuse prevention and treatment guidanceOHID Guidance Chapter 12:Alcohol