Social media has transformed image concerns into a dangerous driving force behind drug use among young men. Expert Tony D’Agostino warns of an alarming trend known as looksmaxxing that pushes vulnerable individuals towards high-risk pharmacology. Looksmaxxing describes the pursuit of maximising physical attractiveness through routines, supplements, and cosmetic interventions. Large online forums dedicated to this...
A courageous anti-drugs activist has pledged to continue his campaign against narcotics trafficking despite losing his second brother to drugs-related violence in just five years. Amine Kessaci, 22, wrote a defiant opinion piece in Le Monde newspaper following the funeral of his younger brother Mehdi, whose murder has been described by the French government as...
Alcohol and hair loss may be more closely connected than previously thought, according to striking new research from scientists at the University of Porto. The comprehensive study, which analysed data from 17 separate investigations involving over 60,000 participants, has revealed a troubling link between drinking habits and balding. Researchers discovered that consuming alcoholic beverages, particularly...
Britain’s pioneering specialist clinic for vaping addiction in children has been overwhelmed with demand, revealing the scale of nicotine dependency among the nation’s youngest users. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, which launched the country’s first dedicated e-cigarette cessation service earlier this year, has reached full capacity with at least 15 young people now waiting...
New research from the University of Bristol and University of Bath reveals the alarming mechanisms behind why mixing benzodiazepines and opioids proves so deadly. The findings paint a stark picture of a growing public health crisis, with 70% of opioid-related deaths in Scotland also involving benzodiazepines, whilst in England, 93% of drug deaths involve multiple...
The price of a pint isn’t just going up. It’s forcing a fundamental shift in how people across Britain think about their relationship with alcohol. New research reveals that financial pressure has become an increasingly powerful motivator for people trying to cut back on drinking, with the cost of drinking now cited by one in...
Over half of UK adults have felt the impact of addiction within their own lives or through someone close to them, according to new research released to mark Addiction Awareness Week (30 November to 7 December). The figures paint a sobering picture: 53% of people surveyed have either battled addiction themselves or watched a loved...
Comprehensive research from the University of California has uncovered deeply concerning trends about alcohol deaths in the US, revealing an 89% increase in mortality rates between 1999 and 2024. The findings, published in PLOS Global Public Health, highlight urgent challenges facing public health authorities worldwide. Dramatic Rise in Alcohol Deaths in the US Since 1999...
As Addiction Awareness Week 2025 concluded with its powerful “Let’s Talk” theme, a stark reality confronts British employers: supporting employees with addiction is silently becoming one of the most critical workforce challenges, with millions struggling in isolation. Professor Marcantonio Spada, Chief Clinical Officer at Onebright, highlights concerning statistics that demand urgent attention. An estimated 10...
The Princess of Wales has made a powerful call to end the stigma surrounding substance misuse and gambling dependencies. Catherine described addiction as “a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support” in a message backing Addiction Awareness Week. As patron of the Forward Trust charity, the Princess urged society to...