Support Individuals who are Substance Users

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
T/650/2165
Credits:
4
Guided learning hours:
28 hours

Assessment Guidance

Any skills-based element within the unit must be assessed within the workplace or by using workplace evidence.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand about different substances, their effects and how they might be used.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Identify the different substances which individuals might use, how they are used and their likely effects.

  • 1.2

    Identify the risks involved with substance use both in the short and the long term (eg overdose, dependence and associated health risks).

  • 1.3

    Explain legislation, policies and guidelines on the use and storage of substances.

2

Enable individuals to adopt safe practices associated with substance use.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Explain factors that influence individuals to use substances and reasons why individuals decide to reduce or cease substance use.

  • 2.2

    Communicate with individuals in manner that maximise the individuals’ understanding.

  • 2.3

    Support individuals to discuss their circumstances and history of substance use.

  • 2.4

    Advise individuals on ways in which methods of substance use and activities affected by it can be practised more safely.

  • 2.5

    Support individuals to dispose of hazardous materials and equipment safely.

  • 2.6

    Describe harm reduction strategies, how and why these may differ from individual to individual.

  • 2.7

    Identify the potential effects and difficulties that are likely to arise in attempting to cease or reduce substance use and strategies/methods for alleviating them.

3

Support individuals who have used substances.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Explain relevant policies and procedures for the support of individuals who have used substances.

  • 3.2

    Support individuals in a manner appropriate to the substance used, the effect which the substance has had and the condition of the individual.

  • 3.3

    Demonstrate how to make the environment as safe as possible, including how and when to move individuals for their own safety.

  • 3.4

    Support individuals to meet their own needs and requirements after the effects of the substance have worn off.

  • 3.5

    Show when and how to request further support and assistance.

  • 3.6

    Report information about episodes of substance use to an appropriate person and record it in the required format.

4

Support individuals in reducing substance use.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Assist individuals who have made a commitment to reduce substance use to review their reasons for doing so.

  • 4.2

    Offer support to individuals which respects their individual rights, and is appropriate to their needs.

  • 4.3

    Assist individuals to review their progress in reducing substance use.

  • 4.4

    Describe how to manage your own feelings about the individual’s progress or lack of this in such a way as to minimise their impact on the support provided.

  • 4.5

    Identify the specialist agencies and support networks involved in supporting substance users.