Alcohol, Drugs and Responsibility for Abuse

Substance use can increase the likelihood of harmful behaviour by lowering inhibitions and impairing judgement. That makes it a risk factor worth taking seriously. But a risk factor is not a cause, and it is not an excuse.

The accountable position is that substances may make harmful choices more likely, and that you are still responsible for those choices—including the choice to use substances in situations where they increase risk.

Being intoxicated does not mean someone else becomes responsible for your behaviour, or that the behaviour is less serious. Threats, intimidation and violence committed while intoxicated still cause real harm and can still be criminal offences.

Saying “I was drunk” is not an accountable explanation. The accountable explanation addresses both the behaviour and the decision to use substances in a way that made it more likely.

Notice whether there is a pattern: do arguments, monitoring or intimidation happen more often after drinking or using drugs? Does substance use feature in the situations where your behaviour has been most harmful?

Recognising the pattern is the first step to breaking it. If substance use is a trigger, reducing or stopping it may be an important part of changing your behaviour.

If you choose to drink or use substances, plan ahead for the situations that carry risk. This might mean limiting intake, avoiding certain topics while drinking, or not being in contact with a partner or former partner when intoxicated.

If you cannot use substances without a risk of harmful behaviour, the accountable choice is not to use them in those situations at all.

For some people, the safest approach is abstinence. For others, specialist treatment for substance use is needed. This is a decision to make with a qualified professional or specialist service, not alone.

Specialist support can help you address substance use safely. Do not attempt detoxification without medical advice, as withdrawal from some substances can be dangerous.

A simple, effective rule is not to contact a partner, former partner or children while intoxicated. If you feel the urge to message or call after drinking, that is a signal to stop and use a support contact instead.

This is especially important where a no-contact order or boundary is in place. Intoxicated contact is still a breach, and it is often more harmful.

Stopping or reducing substance use is a positive step, but it is not proof that abusive behaviour will not recur. Abuse and substance use are separate patterns, and addressing one does not automatically address the other.

Do not present sobriety or recovery as evidence that you are now safe. Sustained, safe behaviour over time is what carries weight, not a period of abstinence on its own.

Because substance use and abusive behaviour are separate patterns, they usually need separate support. Substance-use treatment addresses the use; behaviour-change work addresses the abuse. Both may be needed at the same time.

Be honest with both services about the full picture. A substance-use service that does not know about abusive behaviour, or a behaviour-change programme that does not know about substance use, cannot give you complete support.

Where children are present, substance use that increases the risk of harmful behaviour is a safeguarding concern. Children are affected by intoxicated, intimidating or violent behaviour, even if it is not directed at them.

If children’s services or the court are involved, be honest about substance use. Concealing it undermines trust and can put children at greater risk. If you are worried about a child, contact the NSPCC or your local children’s services.

Disclose substance use honestly to the professionals working with you—your GP, behaviour-change provider, social worker or the court where required. Honesty allows them to support you properly and to keep others safe.

Hiding substance use, or minimising it, is a form of avoiding accountability. It also increases risk, because the support you receive will be based on an incomplete picture.

If someone is in immediate danger, including from your behaviour while intoxicated, call 999. If you are experiencing a medical emergency related to substance use, seek urgent medical help.

Do not wait for a crisis to act. If you recognise the pattern, seek support now.

Confidential support is available:

• NHS alcohol support: nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support.
• FRANK (drugs information and support): talktofrank.com, or call 0300 123 6600.
• NHS talking therapies (England): ask your GP or self-refer.
• Respect Phoneline for behaviour-change support: 0808 802 4040.