The Welsh Senedd recently discussed the future of Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDACs) following the conclusion of a two-year pilot program funded with £450,000 by the Welsh Government. Evaluated by CASCADE at Cardiff University, the pilot demonstrated positive outcomes, suggesting FDACs can be a beneficial alternative to traditional care proceedings. According to the evaluation,...
Category: News
Alcohol Tops U.S. Substance Use Treatment Admissions
A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals that alcohol accounted for the highest percentage of substance use treatment admissions in the U.S. in 2022, making up 35.5% of the nearly 1.5 million admissions. Heroin and methamphetamine followed, contributing to 16.9% and 13.9% of admissions respectively. Admissions were most...
Moderate Drinking Still Carries Serious Health Risks
A new federal report highlights the dangers of even moderate alcohol consumption, linking it to a higher risk of liver disease, cancer, and death. According to the findings, consuming just seven drinks per week increases the risk of alcohol-related mortality to 1 in 1000, while consuming nine or more drinks raises this risk to 1...
How Vaping Can Harm Brain Development
Vaping devices, commonly marketed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, have raised significant health concerns among researchers. These devices use cartridges containing nicotine, flavorings, and other harmful substances. Studies reveal that vapes emit ultrafine particles capable of damaging the lungs, as well as volatile organic compounds like benzene, a chemical also found in car exhaust....
Snapchat Faces Legal Reckoning Over Fentanyl Crisis
Michael Brewer, a 17-year-old survivor of fentanyl poisoning, is at the center of a groundbreaking lawsuit against Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat. Brewer, who suffered blindness and severe brain injury after consuming a fentanyl-laced pill at age 13 purchased via the platform, is one of 64 families suing Snapchat for allegedly facilitating drug...
Derek Maltz Appointed DEA Chief to Fight Drug Cartels
Derek Maltz, a 28-year veteran of the DEA and former head of its Special Operations Division, has been appointed as the new acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration under Donald Trump’s administration. Known for his aggressive stance against drug cartels, Maltz plans to target the spread of fentanyl through close collaboration with federal and...
The Rise in Traffic Fatalities Linked to Legal Cannabis
Concerns are emerging over the potential downsides of marijuana legalization in states like New York, where recreational use became legal in 2021. Reports suggest legalization may unintentionally increase the availability of synthetic cannabinoids, such as K2, linked to high-profile incidents of public disorder. Additionally, marijuana’s association with mental health challenges, including the early onset of...
UK Government Strengthens Measures to Prevent Addiction in Under-18s
The UK Government has pledged a series of robust measures to combat addiction among children and young people, prioritising education, prevention, and safeguarding initiatives. Responding to concerns about addiction in under-18s, these steps aim to create a healthier, safer future generation. Statutory education in schools now focuses on equipping young people with the knowledge to...
Ex-Prison Board Chair Charged with Drug Smuggling and Misconduct
Helen Spree, 61, ex-chairwoman of a prison monitoring board, is facing serious charges as part of an anti-corruption investigation tied to HMP Liverpool. Allegedly betraying her position of trust, Ms Spree has been accused of misconduct in public office, conspiring to smuggle prohibited items into prison, and supplying cannabis. It is also claimed she engaged...
Survivor Sarah Hicks Shares Her Battle Against Addiction and Trauma
Sarah Hicks, a courageous advocate for recovery, has shared a deeply moving account of her battle against trauma, addiction, and abusive relationships. Through sheer determination and a profound personal transformation, Sarah’s story highlights the dangers of substance use and the impact of untreated trauma. Growing up in a household where connection felt scarce, Sarah experienced...