Drugs & Substance Misuse

Drugs & Substance Misuse

On this page you can find out information related to drugs and substance misuse.

During your time at University there will be lots of new experiences and lots of opportunity to try out new things – some good, some not so good. Alcohol, prescription medication, illegal drugs and ‘legal highs’ can all casue problems.

There’s plenty of help available.

First contact

The first place to go for help depends on where you live:

Rhondda Cynon Taff - The Drug and Alcohol Single Point of Access (DASPA) is a one call number which provides advice, information and an easier route into services for those affected by substance misuse. The freephone number 0300 333 000 is available throughout Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil.

Cardiff - e-das is the Cardiff and Vale single point of contact for access to services, advice and information, including a broad range of online information and support. The phone number is 0300 300 7000.

Newport - GDAS is the single point of contact for the Newport area for drugs, alcohol and other substance misuse issues. The only number you need is 0333 999 3577.

Useful Links

Many organisations give information and support for drug and alcohol issues.

  • Barod – Substance misuse services across Wales, offering drop-in services, free advice, support services and a Live webchat service to those affected by substance use and for those who are concerned for others who may be affected by substance use.

  • SMART Recovery – A confidential mutual aid group that helps participants decide whether they have a problem, builds up their motivation to change and offers a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery. Barod facilitates SMART Recovery meetings within the Cwm Taf area. For more information please contact Barod Cwm Taf Service on 0300 333 0000.

  • dan247 – Wales drug and alcohol helpline

  • TheSite.org – Advice and information on drug addiction.

  • Drink Aware – For most adults, it’s fine to enjoy a drink. At the same time, we all need to look after our health and well-being. Drink Aware provides information about how to do both.

  • Alcoholics Anonymous – Alcoholics Anonymous provides a range of information, advice and face to face sessions to help people cope with drink related problems.

  • Down your drink – Most of us drink. Some of us drink more regularly than others. But how often is too often? And how much is too much?

  • Frank – provide information and advice for young people about drugs. Includes an A-Z of drugs, a confidential helpline, Confidential live webchat and advice on substance misuse.

  • Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families – Provide a safe space offering Information and support for those who grew up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional home.

  • Club Drug Clinic– A service for people who have begun to experience problems with their use of recreational drugs. Club Drug Clinic offer support and advice to those seeking help and services for those supporting someone who is experiencing problems with substance use.

  • Gamcare – GamCare provides support, information and advice to anyone suffering through a gambling problem.
University of South Wales support

Students who need support due to past or present addictions can access confidential support services on campus, or use the self-help resources recommended by these services:

  • The Wellbeing Service
  • Mental Wellbeing Service
  • Health Service

Relevant university policies

Students who consume, possess or trade in restricted or illegal substances risk being subject to disciplinary procedures. The University will cooperate with the police in any enquiries. Any illegal activity can have serious consequences for students.

  • Regulations governing student conduct
  • Policy and Procedure Governing Fitness to Practise – policy that includes student conduct issues (among other things) and applies to students studying on nursing, midwifery, chiropractic or social work courses, and other courses leading to certain professional qualifications, for example in other professions allied to medicine.
  • Declaration of Criminal Convictions
  • Student halls policies
Students who are experiencing difficulties or whose behaviour is a cause for serious concern may also require support and an intervention from the University.

Intervention Policy For Students Causing Significant Concern - Fitness To Study