On 17 January 2025, the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), a trade organisation representing large employers, filed a lawsuit against US federal agencies in an attempt to overturn new mental health care rules. These rules, implemented under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, mandate stricter regulations on how health plans provide mental...
Author: WRD News Team
UK MPs and Public Divided Over UK Drug Policy
Recent research highlights major divides between MPs and the British public on drug policies, particularly concerning cannabis legalisation. A YouGov survey reveals that half of MPs oppose legalising cannabis, while only 39% are in favour. Among the public, opinion is slightly more supportive, with 45% backing legalisation and 42% opposing it. On the more nuanced...
Justice Committee Launches Inquiry Into Breaking the Reoffending Cycle
The Justice Committee has announced a new inquiry focused on rehabilitation and resettlement to tackle the persistent issue of reoffending in England and Wales. Despite efforts by HM Prison and Probation Service to reduce reoffending through education and employment programmes, 78% of offenders cautioned or convicted for indictable offences in 2023 already had previous convictions....
Shared Genetic Link Between ADHD and Cannabis Addiction Uncovered
A new study published in Nature Mental Health has identified overlapping genetic factors between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cannabis addiction. Researchers discovered 36 shared genetic loci that connect ADHD with cannabis use disorder, providing valuable insights into this troubling comorbidity. Notably, the findings highlight how ADHD’s impulsivity and other traits may render individuals more vulnerable to...
Understanding the Risks and Realities of Chemsex
Chemsex is a dangerous and rising phenomenon that merges substance abuse with sexual behaviour. It primarily involves the use of psychoactive drugs to intensify or prolong sexual activity. While it may initially appear as an escape or a way to enhance pleasure, chemsex brings severe health and societal risks that cannot be overlooked. What Is...
Scotland’s National Care Service Scrapped Amid Controversy
The Scottish Government has officially abandoned its plans to create a National Care Service, marking the end of an ambitious public service reform that has struggled for years to gain traction. Hailed as a flagship policy by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and referred to as the “most ambitious reform since devolution,” the scheme has...
A Third of Europeans Have Tried Illegal Drugs, Alarming Trends Show
Illegal drug use remains a pressing issue in Europe, with nearly one-third of Europeans having experimented with drugs at some point in their lives. Cannabis and cocaine continue to dominate as the most commonly used substances, with alarming prevalence among young adults aged 15-34. Across the EU, 15% of young adults reported using cannabis in...
EU Drugs Chief Warns of Escalating Crisis and Urges Fresh Strategies by 2025
The director of the EU drugs agency, Alexis Goosdeel, has warned of worsening drug challenges in Europe by 2025, with rising violence, political polarisation, and poly-drug use becoming urgent concerns. Speaking at an event, Goosdeel urged policymakers and healthcare systems to rethink outdated strategies shaped by the heroin epidemic, as new drug trends grip the...
Sophie Law Quits Vaping After Realising the Shocking Impact of 100 Cigarettes a Week
Sophie Law, a journalist in her thirties, has shared her compelling story of escaping the grip of nicotine addiction after discovering she was consuming the equivalent of 100 cigarettes a week through vaping. What began as a casual habit quickly took over her life, leaving her tethered to disposable vapes like Lost Mary from dawn...
Paul Sculfor, Iconic British Supermodel, Reflects on Addiction, Recovery, and 20 Years of Sobriety
Former supermodel Paul Sculfor has shared a candid account of his battle with addiction during the heights of his career and his inspiring 20-year journey of sobriety. Known for his work with top brands like Armani and Versace and high-profile relationships with A-listers like Cameron Diaz, Sculfor revealed the darker side of his modelling glory...