There is a well-established and often underestimated connection between trauma and substance use disorders. For many individuals struggling with addiction, the roots of their substance use trace back not to a simple choice, but to a nervous system shaped by painful, unresolved experiences. Understanding this connection is no longer optional for those working in behavioural...
The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs Convenes Its 69th Session Vienna, Austria, 12 March 2026. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has wrapped up a pivotal 69th session in Vienna. Sharp debate defined the week, covering the future of international drug control and the formal launch of a new Expert Panel. That Panel will shape...
Brain stimulation techniques are reshaping how researchers think about treating addiction. Scientists now use magnetic pulses, sound waves, and electrical signals to target brain circuits damaged by substance use disorders. These approaches are gaining traction, and the early findings are hard to ignore. The Addiction Policy Forum recently hosted a webinar bringing together three specialists...
Innovate UK has opened a £20 million drug and alcohol addiction healthcare innovation programme, giving organisations across the UK a chance to develop life-changing pharmaceutical, digital health and MedTech solutions. The funding aims to improve treatment outcomes, support long-term recovery, and cut preventable harm and deaths from addiction. The Addiction Healthcare Goals (AHG) Catalysing Innovation...
The East Africa Youth Forum on Drugs 2026 is now officially open for abstract submissions and participant registration. Scholars, youth leaders, researchers, policymakers, treatment specialists, and students are urged to secure their place without delay. Across East Africa, drug demand among young people continues to present serious public health, educational, economic, and social consequences. This...
Scotland’s approach to drug and alcohol treatment is entering a pivotal phase. A major webinar will examine how recovery orientated care can transform lives and strengthen communities across the nation. The “Alive to Thrive” online event takes place on Tuesday, 3rd March at 6:00 PM. It brings together leading voices in addiction services. Healthcare Improvement...
Leading researchers, policymakers and health organisations gathered for the first ScaleUp initiative webinar on 28 January 2026. Subsequently, the event addressed critical gaps in stimulant use disorder treatment. In fact, over 600 registered participants from across the globe joined the online session. Notably, the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), the United Nations Office on Drugs...
Law enforcement and forensic specialists from across Europe gathered in Warsaw this week. Their mission? To tackle the growing challenge posed by synthetic cathinones. The EUDA and Polish Police Central Bureau of Investigation joined forces to host a critical two-day workshop addressing this urgent threat. The meeting brought together experts from 10 EU Member States....
In a watershed moment for cannabis accountability, the nation’s largest trial lawyer association has officially launched a dedicated litigation group targeting harmful practices in the marijuana industry. The American Association for Justice (AAJ) announced the formation of the Cannabis Injury Litigation Group on April 15, thereby marking a significant victory for advocacy organisations that have...
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,...