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Student Drugs Policy: Reducing Harm
Jump to Policy in Action Q&A
Policy due for review May 2028
1. Introduction and scope
1.1 Durham University is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students, as detailed in the Durham University Strategy 2017-2027.
1.2 The University does not condone the use of illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription drugs, and does not allow such usage on its premises. Nevertheless, the University acknowledges that some students may take illegal drugs, notwithstanding the risks involved, and will always try to educate and support those students to safeguard their wellbeing while ensuring compliance with UK law.
1.3 The University recognises that the illegal use of drugs is a complex and problematic challenge across many populations in the UK.
1.4 This policy explains the University’s approach to supporting its students and reducing harm that may result from illegal drug use, in partnership with external expert services (see definition of ‘harm reduction’ at paragraph 2.1).
1.5 The policy also sets out the University’s position in relation to misconduct.
1.6 The policy applies to all Durham University students who are registered and/or matriculated.
1.7 The policy has been developed in partnership with students, specialist staff and external partners. A key component of the consultation was a pan-University student survey. Durham Students’ Union and College Common Rooms were represented on the development group, which also included specialist academic and Professional Services staff and external partners in Public Health. The policy was developed in the context of Universities UK (UUK) guidance on Enabling Student Health and Success, and other relevant national guidance (see section 6.4).
1.8 This policy was written in line with the latest guidance and legislation on drugs, however, the University recognises that substance use is a changing field. The University therefore works closely with partners, including Durham Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service and Durham’s Local Drug Information System panel, to understand and respond to changing trends and support needs.
1.9 The University has a related Policy on Student Alcohol Awareness and Use.
2. Definitions
The following terms are used in this document with the meanings given here:
2.1 ‘harm reduction’: Universities UK (UUK) guidance recommends a harm reduction approach:
A harm reduction approach does not involve condoning or seeking to normalise the use of drugs [for example, the University does not allow the issuing of drug testing kits on campus]. Instead, it aims to minimise the harms which may occur if students take drugs.
Harm reduction approaches:
include efforts to inform students about the risks of drug use
- place the health, safety and wellbeing of students at the centre of a response
- recognise the need to work closely with the Police to tackle harm from supply
- acknowledge that drug use is a complex health and social issue
- require close partnership with the health system and other support services. *
2.2 ‘illegal drugs’: Controlled substances that it is a criminal offence to possess or supply, and prescription medicines which are used without or against clinical advice. This includes drugs which have not been prescribed to the user by a doctor or medical professional, and drugs that have been prescribed abroad but are illegal in the UK.
Illegal drugs include those that may be referred to as ‘study drugs’ and ‘recreational drugs’, and substances other than alcohol that change the user’s behaviour or their mental, physical, or emotional state.
For the most up-to-date list of illegal drug classifications, see the UK Government website.
2.3 ‘the University’: Durham University.
2.4 ‘students’: all Durham University students who are registered and/or matriculated.
2.5 ‘the/this policy’: This document – ‘Student Drugs Policy: Reducing Harm’.
* page 8, https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/sites/default/files/field/downloads/2024-06/Enabling-student-health-and-success.pdf
3. Legal Framework
3.1 In developing this policy, the University is cognisant of UK drugs legislation. The most relevant Acts to this policy are: The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
3.2 It should be noted that local laws apply to those who are studying or on placement outside of the UK; penalties for illegal drug possession are very severe in some countries.
4. What help do we offer students?
4.1 The University aims to provide students with accurate information, confidential support, and a non-judgemental environment in which to discuss drug-related concerns. While the University does not condone illegal drug use, it advocates an educative and supportive approach in order to reduce harm, with internal services and external partners working together to reduce the impact on students, the University community, and the wider regional community.
4.2 If a student needs support relating to drug use, for themselves or if they are concerned about someone else, they are encouraged to access one of the internal or external services available to them (see links in section 6). Students can approach University staff and be frank about issues related to the harmful impact of illegal drugs, in order to get support.
4.3 The University works in collaboration with County Durham Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service, College Common Rooms, and Durham Students’ Union to facilitate and review proactive measures such as campaigns, training (for staff and students) and roadshows, incorporating student voice in the approach taken to support and policy. Links to further support services and additional information can be found in section 6 below.
5. Misconduct
5.1 The University will approach drug-related incidents with a focus on student wellbeing, offering support to those in need of assistance with harm reduction as the first recourse. However, as the possession, storage, distribution, growing or use of illegal drugs on campus or University-affiliated activities is prohibited, there may be circumstances where action must be considered under University regulations including the University’s Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure in accordance with General Regulation IV (Discipline).
5.2 The University works with the Police to safeguard its community and will inform the Police if necessary. For example, where a student has been found to be selling or sharing an illegal drug, putting other members of the community at risk.
5.3 In cases where misconduct is found, this may have an impact on a student’s future career, particularly where they will be subject to professional accreditation and regulation.
5.4 International students studying in the UK should note that where misconduct is found, it may affect their current or future visa status.
6. Further information and guidance
6.1 Support:
6.1.1 Students can find out more about the support available to them and how to access it via the University’s Student Support Hub: durham.ac.uk/student-support-hub
6.1.2 More information is also available via the Policy in Action appendix below.
6.2 Internal policy and procedure:
6.2.1The University has a separate Policy on Student Alcohol Awareness and Use.
6.2.2 University statues and regulations are available on the University website.
6.2.3 Information and procedures relating to misconduct are on the Student Conduct Office webpages.
6.3 External services:
6.4 Legislation, information and guidance:
6.4.1 Sector guidance: Universities UK: Enabling Student Health and Success
6.4.2 Information on controlled drugs and drug dependence: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
6.4.3 Drug classification and UK criminal penalties: UK Government Drugs Penalties
6.4.4 Legislation: The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
6.4.5 Legislation: The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
6.4.6 Expertise on drugs and drug laws: Release
6.4.7 Evidence-based information on drugs: DrugWise
6.4.8 Protecting your Student Visa status: UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
6.5 For further information on this policy and the topics it addresses, see the Policy in Action appendix below or email: sswleadershipteam@durham.ac.uk
Appendix: Policy in Action Q&A
What does the Policy mean for me?
Your wellbeing is the University’s priority and we will help you find the right support if you or someone you know is using illegal drugs.
Possession of drugs is a criminal offence. We recognise that situations can be complex, for example, where addiction or medical issues may be involved, and therefore examine each instance of possession on a case-by-case basis before deciding if it is appropriate to make a report to the Police.
If you are breaking the University’s Non-Academic Misconduct Procedure, there may be a University investigation and the Police may be informed. This is most likely if you are putting other people at risk by, for example, supplying or sharing drugs.
Where can I get help if I’m worried about my own or a friend’s drug use?
The University provides a broad range of confidential* support for all its students, regardless of whether they are undergraduate or postgraduate, what they study, or where they live.
Services include the University’s Counselling & Mental Health Service and confidential drop-ins run by the County Durham Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service (CDDARS, an external partner). Signposting and referrals to further support, if needed, can be made on your behalf by CDDARS.
College Support offices also support student wellbeing, offering a conversation with a staff member who can provide information about internal and external specialist services.
You may choose to access external services directly – for example, appointments can be made with the County Durham Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service (CDDARS) via cddars.uni@waythrough.org.uk.
*See ‘Who will be told about my request for support?’ for more information on confidentiality.
Where can I find more information on support?
You can find out more about the support available to them and how to access it via the University’s Student Support Hub: durham.ac.uk/student-support-hub
External services:
Will I get into trouble if I ask the University for help?
Your wellbeing is the University’s priority and we will help you get the support you need.
We’ll only apply appropriate sanctions where misconduct has been found to have occurred, and some behaviour is more likely to result in investigation by the University or the Police – for example, repeat offences or dealing drugs.
There is no automatic requirement to disclose drug possession to the Police. In many instances, local Police forces will not respond to instances of minor possession. However, the University will keep a record of its actions, when such behaviours have been found, to show the Police (if needed in the future) that it doesn’t permit/suffer it to happen.
Who will be told about my request for support?
Information shared with University services (for example, College Student Support staff) is subject to University’s Student Privacy Notice. This means we will share as needed with relevant staff or external services – for example, if you or someone else is at risk of harm.
Find out more in our Information Sharing and Emergency Contact Statement and on our webpage for parents and supporters.
Does the University’s ‘harm reduction’ approach mean that I can use drugs and not get into trouble?
Illegal drugs are still illegal and the University must operate within the law. The University is not required to report all cases to the Police and any decision to report will be made on a case-by-case basis with the priority consideration being the protection of our community. For example, the Police are likely to be informed where a student has been found to be selling or sharing an illegal drug, putting other people at risk.
We recognise that situations can be complex and if you need support, we will help you access it. Your wellbeing is the University’s priority.
My housemate uses illegal drugs in our accommodation. Will I get into trouble if drugs are found in our house, even if they’re not mine?
If your housemate is in possession of illegal drugs in your accommodation, particularly in shared living spaces, the Police may have the power to arrest you and other people occupying or present on the premises in which drugs are found.
If you’re worried about your housemate or the fact that they’re using drugs in your house, speak to your College Student Support Team.
You can read more about drugs and the law on the Government website: gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing
Does the University offer any proactive services like training or information campaigns?
The University runs proactive campaigns, training, and roadshows in partnership with the County Durham Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service to raise awareness and educate students and staff on illegal drugs.
Does the policy apply to legal highs and study drugs?
Yes – ‘legal highs’ and nootropics (known as ‘study drugs’ or ‘smart drugs’) are covered by The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Some nootropics may be prescribed as medicine.
If I use a drug testing kit, does that mean I am using drugs safely?
Kits might suggest that a substance is safe when it is not. Kits cannot test all drugs. Many substances are now produced synthetically, and it is unknown in many cases what they contain.
How might my visa be affected if I was convicted of a criminal offence?
Being convicted of a criminal offence in the UK can have serious consequences for your current immigration position. Your current permission to stay can be curtailed in some circumstances.
You must declare any criminal convictions, if asked about them in a future immigration application. Applications for entry clearance, or further leave to remain in the UK, can be refused on the basis of a person's criminal history.
Certain punishments (other than a prison sentence) such as fines, Police cautions, and being disqualified from driving, count as non-custodial sentences for immigration purposes, and can also be treated very seriously.
If you are in trouble with the Police, we recommend that you seek legal advice from an immigration specialist, as well as from a criminal law solicitor, as soon as possible. It is important to establish what the consequences may be for your immigration status if, for example, you are convicted of an offence or accept a caution. If you are about to make an application to extend your immigration permission, or if you have already made an application and you are waiting for a decision, seek advice. The Student Immigration and Funding Service (SIFS) may be able to advise you or help you to access more specialist advice.
You can also find out more on the UKCISA website about protecting your student status.
Are there other University health and safety implications relating to drug use?
No University equipment, including laboratory equipment or vehicles, can be used by someone under the influence of drugs.
Find out more about Health and Safety at the University.