In order to attend the course, learners should be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English at Level 1 and above. Learners will also need a basic level of IT skills to be able to access extra resources and keep in contact with their personal tutor. Applicants would also benefit from completing the level 1 Award in Substance Misuse.
Start date:
Sep 2026
Course Overview
The Level 2 Award in Substance Misuse provides a clear introduction to the key issues surrounding substance use and its impact on individuals and communities. The qualification helps learners understand how to recognise and respond to substance misuse, including solvents, volatile substances and alcohol, and explores the support options and interventions available.
This course is ideal for anyone who wants to build confidence and knowledge in this area—whether as part of a current role, future employment, or for further training in related fields across health, social care, youth work, community work or public services. This course is suitable if you: • Work or aspire to work in roles supporting vulnerable individuals or communities • Need foundational knowledge of substance misuse for your job or voluntary role • Want to progress into further study in health, social care, youth work or related sectors If you’re looking to build a solid understanding of substance misuse and how to respond appropriately, this course provides a strong starting point.
What will I learn?
This qualification consists of four units: • Understand substance use/misuse • Understand how to recognise and respond to substance uses/misuse • Understand the safe, sensible and social use of alcohol • Community responses to substance misuse Topics include: • Understanding substance use and misuse • How to recognise and respond to substance-related risks • Safe, sensible and social use of alcohol • Community responses to substance misuse • Options and interventions for individuals affected by substance use •Substance misuse and young people • Solvent and volatile substance misuse • Blood-borne infections linked to substance use
How is the course delivered?
Learners attend weekly sessions and engage in learning activities to support the learning outcomes. Progressing each week, learning will be structured towards completing both individual and group activities to increase knowledge and understanding which will be assessed using a range of methods.
Further support and learning can be accessed through the Moodle page, which will support the length of the course with activities, resources and further reading links.
How will my learning be assessed?
Regular submission of work that will be assessed and reviewed weekly and learners will receive feedback in order to further develop their knowledge. Learners will assess their knowledge at the start of the course and again at the end against the learning outcomes. This allows them to identify how much they have learnt and where they might need to do further study or research. Learners will also be supported to set an individual target(s) for the course based on starting points, personal goals and career aspirations. A workbook will be supplied at the start of the course which will be used by the learner to record their knowledge through activities and open questions, which will be submitted at regular points throughout the course. The Additional Learning Support Team work across college supporting students with a variety of learning needs in different ways. Support can be requested at enrolment or at any point throughout your course.
Additional Information
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Potential Careers
Following completion of this course the following progression option(s) are available: – Award in Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication Level 2 – Certificate in Understanding Working with People with Mental Health Needs Level 2 – Certificate in Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values Level 2
