Student drug and alcohol harm reduction policy
1. Introduction
The University adopts a harm reduction approach at the core of its Student Drug and Alcohol Policy. This approach aims to minimise the potential risks and negative impacts associated with drug use and excessive alcohol consumption on individuals, their peers, families, and the wider University community.
While the University does not condone the use of illegal substances, it is committed to reducing substance related harm through education and support. The University recognises that whilst alcohol is legal, excessive or frequent use can cause a detriment to health and wellbeing.
Our focus is on promoting informed decision-making, encouraging positive life choices, and establishing clear expectations for responsible and acceptable behaviour. The policy also outlines the actions that may be taken in response to breaches of these standards.
This policy has been created using the Universities UK Guidance ‘Enabling Student Health and Success: Tackling Supply and Demand for Drugs and Improving Harm Reduction’ to shape and inform our policy. We have engaged with a range of expert stakeholders to enrich it, including internal stakeholders including Student Wellbeing, Student Disability and Inclusion, Residences, Student Discipline and the Student Union. This policy has also been informed through consultation with local and national external experts and agencies, including Public Health, No Limits and SOS UK.
This policy runs in alignment with our harm reduction commitment statement.
Issues arising within SUSU premises and/or in connection with SUSU clubs and societies will be managed in accordance with SUSU procedures.
2. Scope
2.1 The scope of the outlined support and relevant procedures is not limited to the use of illegal substances, the policy also considers the potential impact of alcohol and prescription drug misuse on students and the wider community. This policy applies to all University premises, including University owned accommodation. It outlines the support available to students who may be using substances off campus, ensuring that help and guidance are accessible regardless of location.
2.2 This policy addresses drugs and alcohol, including controlled substances that are illegal to possess or supply under criminal law. It considers prescription medications that are either not prescribed to the individual or are not being used in accordance with medical instructions and any other substances (including excessive alcohol consumption) that alter physical, mental, emotional, or behavioural states in the user. From hereafter, this shall be referred to substance use.
2.3 This policy applies to all enrolled students, including those studying online, studying abroad, on placement or on field trips. As an international university, we expect all students to comply with the laws of the country in which they are studying. Students studying at an international campus must adhere to the local laws of their host country, which may differ significantly from UK legislation and, in some cases, carry severe penalties for noncompliance.
3. Purpose
3.1 As outlined in our Student Charter, we all share a responsibility to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of every member of the University community. The University is deeply committed to supporting students and ensuring that safety and wellbeing remain central to everything we do.
3.2 The most effective way to stay safe from the risks and harms associated with substance use is to abstain from using them. Students should prioritise their safety, recognising personal limits and when their use is becoming excessive, harmful or too regular. The University recognises that some students may make choices that put themselves at harm and become an addiction. Our approach is grounded in education and support as we believe this is the most effective response to substance use. Our primary aim is to reduce harm and do everything possible to protect our community from the detrimental effects that substance use can have on health, wellbeing, and the capacity of our students to thrive.
3.3 The University recognises that substance use can have significant impacts, not only on the individual but also on friends and the wider community. We are committed to supporting students who may be using substances, as well as those who find themselves in a position of supporting others affected by substance use. Our goal is to provide appropriate help and resources to promote healthy choices, support wellbeing and minimise the impact of substance use on academic success and personal health.
4. The Policy
4.1 This policy is founded on a harm reduction approach to substance use, with a strong emphasis on encouraging students to seek support. While our priority is to promote wellbeing through education and assistance, the University does not condone any illegal activity. We have a legal and ethical duty to cooperate fully with any police investigations and initiatives aimed at protecting our student community.
4.3 While our primary objective is to ensure that students feel comfortable seeking support from Student Wellbeing accessed via the Student Hub, or the Student Union Advice Centre, there may be circumstances where support alone is not sufficient or appropriate. In such cases, students may be referred to the University’s Student Discipline processes. This includes situations involving antisocial behaviour linked to substance use, particularly where such behaviour results in harm, damage, or poses a risk to the wider University community. Please see our Governing Student Discipline regulations.
4.4 Substance-related misconduct can have serious implications for students undertaking any placements undertaken as part of their studies and this in turn may affect their degree outcomes and future career prospects. For students enrolled in programmes subject to professional accreditation or regulation, such matters may be addressed under the University’s Fitness to Practise regulations. Outcomes of these procedures could include a determination that students are not fit to practise within their chosen profession.
5. Student Responsibilities
5.1 As representatives of the University of Southampton, students are expected to comply with all applicable laws. This includes refraining from the use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal substances.
5.2 Students are encouraged to prioritise their own health, safety and the safety of others by refraining from substance use. This expectation reflects the University’s commitment to maintaining a secure and healthy environment for all members of our community.
5.3 Students must not engage in any behaviour, whether under the influence of substances, that could negatively impact the University’s reputation, interests, or the trust placed in our institution by the wider community.
5.4 If criminal proceedings are initiated against a student in relation to substance use, this may trigger additional University processes, including the Student Discipline procedure, Wellbeing and Fitness to Study regulations or Fitness to Practise regulations.
5.5 Substance use must not interfere with academic performance, employment, or participation in university life. The University, through the Student Hub and Student Wellbeing Service, will support students in accessing appropriate help and guidance. Where necessary, the Wellbeing and Fitness to Study regulations or the Fitness to Practise regulations may also be used to provide structured support and to help students regain stability and progress academically.
5.6 If a student’s substance use is impacting on others around them, those impacted should reach out to the Student Hub or Student Union Advice Centre for help, guidance and support. Students are encouraged to look out for peers and seek emergency help if someone is at risk or in danger by calling 999. For nonemergency reports or concerns, Student Wellbeing is available 24/7 or anonymous reports can be made via the Report and Support website. For any incidents relating to Student Union clubs and societies, these can be reported to the Student Union.
5.7 Students must respect peers who choose not to take part in an activity they do not want to. Pressure, coercion, or ridicule related to unwanted activity is unacceptable and students are expected to behave in line with our Inclusive and Respectful behaviour policy.
6. University Responsibilities
6.1 The University is committed to supporting all students who require assistance with substance related issues. We provide advice and guidance to students in a manner that is free from judgement or stigma, ensuring that every student feels safe and respected when seeking support. Harm reduction advice, guidance and support is available through Student Wellbeing via the Student Hub which can signpost and facilitate access to local support groups, NHS services, and education resources.
6.2 The Student Union Advice Centre provides impartial and independent guidance, separate from university, ensuring students have access to confidential support.
6.3 Where applicable and appropriate the University will engage with external support services to ensure the best possible support is available to students. 6.4 The University is committed to respecting your privacy, and the Student Privacy Notice applies to the sharing of any information under this Policy.
6.4 The University will take a harm-reduction approach in responding to substance use incidents, considering a range of educational and supportive options first. Depending on the risk, severity and impact disciplinary options may be appropriate. The University will also prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the wider University community and may apply additional measures when necessary.
6.5 All University staff share the responsibility of appropriately escalating any concerns about student behaviour or conduct. If a member of staff is worried about a student, they should report their concerns to Student Wellbeing via the Student Hub. Staff are not expected to diagnose any issues, but they are expected to provide opportunities for students to talk about their academic progress and circumstances that might be affecting their studies. This includes listening to students’ particular concerns and questions, providing advice and guidance as appropriate and taking action by escalate concerns regarding a student’s wellbeing to Student Wellbeing via the Student Hub. 6.6 For behavioural matters, staff should follow the Residences Halls Discipline procedures for incidents occurring within University Halls of Residence, or the Student Discipline Regulations for incidents that take place across any University of Southampton campus.
7. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it reflects UK legislation, student needs, and best practice in higher education.