A recent study highlights robust public support for tighter marijuana regulations in Canada, with calls for stronger policies to prioritise public welfare. Published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, the research, based on data from the International Cannabis Policy Study, underscores a clear divide between general public opinion and the views of cannabis...
Category: Crisis and Alerts
Understanding Adult Tobacco Use Trends in the United States (2017–2023)
Tobacco use among adults in the United States has changed considerably in recent years. While adult cigarette smoking has declined to its lowest rate in six decades, other forms of tobacco use—including e-cigarettes—are growing more popular. This blog post unpacks the latest data on adult tobacco use, examines shifting tobacco product trends, and explains what...
Addiction Recovery in Middlesbrough: One Man’s Mission to Bring Hope and Healing
Addiction recovery in Middlesbrough faces many challenges, with issues like alcohol abuse on Teesside affecting individuals and families alike. Yet for every setback, there are stories of determination and change. This is especially true for Colin Gibson, a man whose personal battle with addiction is now inspiring a new hope for those seeking a fresh...
The Deadly Rise of the Nitazene Crisis in the UK
The UK is on the verge of a devastating drug crisis as nitazenes, synthetic opioids up to 2,000 times stronger than heroin, infiltrate the streets. Known as the “nitazene crisis,” this growing epidemic is raising alarms across the country. Experts warn the UK could face a catastrophic wave of drug-related fatalities similar to the fentanyl...
Middle-Age Drug Harms: Why Over 50s Drug Deaths Are on the Rise
Every year, the dangers of drug misuse claim more lives in the UK. Recent data reveals a worrying trend among older adults. The over-50s are now experiencing a sharp rise in drug-related deaths, particularly from cocaine. According to the Office for National Statistics, 1,118 deaths involving cocaine were registered in 2023. This represents a 30.5%...
Drug-Induced Violence: A Mother’s Psychosis and the Hidden Toll on UK Families
Drug misuse doesn’t just claim lives; it shatters families, leaves communities in ruins, and creates ripples of trauma that may never fade. It’s not just a headline or a statistic. It’s a father mourning his children, a mother behind bars, a family torn apart, and a society turning its back on the hard truths. The...
New York’s Cannabis Dispensaries Plan Hits Legal and Social Hurdles
The rollout of legal cannabis dispensaries in New York was intended to boost equity and opportunity for communities most impacted by historic drug laws. However, two years after the Cannabis Social Equity Investment Fund was announced, the ambitious plan to launch 150 marijuana shops for former offenders is faltering. Now, the state seeks to reclaim...
Homeless Overdose in a “Zero Tolerance” Hostel: The Tragic Case of Joe Black
Homeless overdose rates highlight the growing mental health crisis across UK support services. But how does a talented musician end up dying from adulterated heroin in a hostel that promised strict safety and support? The story of Joe Black is both a personal tragedy and a damning case study of gaps in social care, covering...
The Importance of Drug Prevention Strategies in Tackling Substance Misuse in Scotland
Scotland is facing a deeply challenging drug crisis, with 1,172 lives tragically lost to drug misuse in 2023. These are not just numbers; they represent individuals, families, and communities experiencing pain and loss. To address this crisis, proactive drug prevention strategies must come to the forefront. By tackling the causes of substance misuse, we can...
Cannabis-Related Schizophrenia Cases Rising Alarmingly in Ontario, Canada
Cannabis-related schizophrenia is on the rise in Ontario, Canada, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers have identified a significant increase in schizophrenia cases connected to cannabis use disorder (CUD), with proportions jumping from 3.7% before marijuana legalisation to 10.3% afterward. Canada’s relaxed marijuana regulations have raised concerns about its mental health...