Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Alcohol and Other Drugs Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) analyses substance misuse in Wolverhampton and reviews service delivery. It aims to provide high-quality evidence on substance misuse needs and inequalities to enhance future support services.

The assessment evaluates demand, unmet needs, and the effectiveness of current treatment services. Its findings will guide commissioning, planning, decision-making, and support ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and development of service providers.

Substance misuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, and is often shaped by a complex interplay of biology, social and economic factors. These may include socioeconomic disadvantage, adverse childhood experiences, mental health conditions, and limited access to healthcare services.

Substance misuse has far-reaching impacts on individuals, families, and communities, limiting economic and social opportunities, contributing to poor health outcomes, and reducing both quality of life and life expectancy.  

• Participants: Approximately 1,900 people in treatment (2023/24), up by 200 from the previous year, primarily for opiates and alcohol. Most are White British males (66%), with notable representation of Indian individuals (16%) and Sikhs (10%).
• Age Groups: Over half aged 30-49; lowest representation in 18-29 age group.
• Referrals: 47% are self-referrals; 43% come from health and social care services.
• Outcomes: Higher treatment rates but lower successful completions than national averages.

• Alcohol: High alcohol-specific mortality and hospital admissions; only 23% of dependent individuals access treatment, with unmet needs greatest in 18-34 age groups.
• Opiates: Better service engagement at 39%, though below regional and national averages.
• Drug Mortality: Wolverhampton has the highest drug misuse death rate in the Black Country.

• Targeted efforts have increased alcohol service access (e.g. GP support, community outreach).
• Drug-related hospital admissions for mental and behavioural disorders have significantly decreased since 2018/19.
• Prison Transitions: 55% of those released from prisoner continued treatment, exceeding national averages.
• Collaboration: Strong joint efforts with probation, outreach teams, and recovery organisations.
• Challenges & Opportunities: Over 50% of new clients need mental health support; enhancing partnerships with mental health and primary care services is vital.
• Recovery Support: Comprehensive group programs and peer support available through specialised services and recovery organisations.