Tackling alcohol and drug misuse in Warwickshire
Highlighting the consequences associated with the rising use of mixing alcohol and cocaine is the aim of a major conference in Warwickshire this week.
‘A pint and a line: Alcohol and Cocaine in Warwickshire’ has been organised by Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) and NHS Warwickshire to help tackle the issue.
The conference – aimed at organisations with an interest in dealing with alcohol and drugs, and opened by Lewis Benjamin, Assistant Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police – includes presentations and workshops focussing on individual health, crime and community implications.
It will be held on Friday 6 February at the Warwickshire Police Learning and Development Centre, Volvo Ltd, Wedgnock Lane, Warwick.
Topics including responsible drinking, the impact on health and the Big Drink Debate will be covered by guest speakers from Alcohol Concern and the Department for Health amongst others.
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Warwickshire is one of the safest counties to live but it is important to be aware of the consequences of this growing nationwide problem.
“Warwickshire County Council and its partners are working together to help tackle this issue and raise awareness of the potentially harmful effects of mixing Alcohol and Cocaine – not just to the individual but also the wider community.”
Assistant Chief Constable Lewis Benjamin added: "Warwickshire Police are working hard with partners to protect communities from harm.
“It is a recognised fact that a huge proportion of people arrested for crimes including violence are believed to have taken drugs and or alcohol. It is vitally important that we jointly look at ways of engaging with local communities and working to offer the best possible protection to all those who live, work and travel in the county.
“I fully support and welcome the collaborative approach this conference will take.”
Helen King, NHS Warwickshire’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “A multi-agency approach is important in tackling the problems associated with drug and alcohol use.
“We’ve already been working with our partners on the Big Drink Debate to raise awareness of how alcohol can damage health.
“Mixing alcohol and cocaine substantially increases the risk of side-effects from the drug and this conference will highlight the dangers.”
For more information regarding the conference, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cocaineconference.