Substance misuse

The use of alcohol is common with 74 percent of adults reporting that they have drunk alcohol in the past 12 months (2024 data).

The use of drugs is less common, with 8.7 percent of adults aged between 16 to 59 years reporting using an illegal drug in the past year (2025).

To reduce the harms from substance use, a Havering Combating Drug Partnership (CDP) was formed by local agencies, including the police, the probation service, safeguarding partnerships, our local drug treatment services for adults and Children and Young People, NELFT NHS Foundation Trust and Havering Council’s Community Safety and Public Health teams.

Substance misuse is an essential area of Public Health

Substance misuse is a key Public Health focus because harmful alcohol and drug use affects individuals, families, communities and local services.

It increases the risk of physical and mental health problems, unsafe behaviours, crime and safeguarding concerns.

Factors such as trauma, adverse childhood experiences, mental illness and neurodiversity increase vulnerability to substance misuse, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention.

Substance misuse is an area of Public Health focus in Havering

In Havering, alcohol-related harm remains significant, with 64 alcohol‑related deaths in 2024, despite rates being lower than London and England.

Many residents who need treatment are not receiving it, including an estimated 1,748 people needing support for alcohol use and several hundred needing treatment for opiate and crack use.

To reduce harms, local partners—including police, health services, safeguarding and Havering Council—work together through the Havering Combating Drugs Partnership, guided by the Havering Combatting Substance Misuse Strategy 2024–2029.

What we do in Havering

A five-year action plan was launched in 2024 to tackle drug and alcohol misuse in Havering. The plan has four main objectives.

1. Breaking drug supply chains: cutting off the supply of drugs that cause most harm. This includes disrupting county lines, targeting street dealers, and limiting the availability of high-strength alcohol in areas with significant misuse problems.
2. Delivering a world-class treatment and recovery system: reducing the stigma associated with addiction, improving access to treatment, and ensuring that individuals receive long-term support. 
3. Achieving a generational shift in the demand for drugs: focusing on prevention and early intervention, particularly among young people. This includes school-based programmes, awareness campaigns, and support for families most at risk of substance misuse.
4. Reducing risk and harm to individuals, families, and communities: minimising the harm caused by substance misuse by working together with local partners. For example, providing information and advice to the public, support for those at higher risk, and ensuring services are culturally sensitive and accessible to everyone.

How you can make a change

Members of the public can:

• offer support to friends and family. If you live in Havering and know someone who wants to talk about their alcohol or drug use, you can help by encouraging them to seek support and reassuring them that help is available locally.
• help for families and carers. Havering provides dedicated support—through CGL—for friends and family members who are affected by someone else’s substance use. This includes emotional support, guidance and access to specialist services.

Professionals working in the area can:

• maintain up‑to‑date knowledge. If your role involves working with people who may be affected by substance use, ensure you complete regular drugs and alcohol awareness training. This helps maintain confidence, competence and the ability to provide safe, informed support.
• support colleagues with compassion. If you are aware of a colleague who is using substances or is in recovery, you can encourage them to seek help and support them to maintain their recovery in a non‑judgemental way.
• work collaboratively to protect vulnerable residents. Supporting people affected by substance use requires strong partnership working. Working together ensures that people with complex needs receive coordinated, holistic support.