Tackling the impact of drugs and alcohol through environmental design

How to carry out a visual audit to identify problems relating to the impact of substance misuse on local communities, at the same time encouraging participation from tenants where appropriate is explained.

Abstract

Substance misuse results in a wide range of problems for supported housing landlords, staff and tenants, including drug dealing and use, burglary, street drinking, begging and drug paraphernalia. A lot can be done to limit the impact of substance misuse, using crime prevention techniques. In particular, application of crime prevention through environmental design and management (CPTEDM) can help. This article provides a background to CPTEDM and some practical examples of how to address specific problems relating to substance misuse. It explains how to carry out a visual audit to identify problems relating to the impact of substance misuse on local communities, at the same time encouraging participation from tenants where appropriate.