The effectiveness of substance use services across Scotland depends fundamentally on having a well-trained, competent drugs and alcohol workforce in Scotland. With rising challenges in addressing substance-related issues, establishing comprehensive competency frameworks has become essential for ensuring consistent, high-quality care delivery throughout Scottish communities. Recent policy developments have emphasised the critical need for standardised knowledge...
Colum Eastwood, SDLP MLA, has intensified calls for the commitment of £1 million to support the Northlands addiction centre in Derry, a critical facility for those battling substance addiction. Addressing Westminster, Eastwood reminded the government of a promise made during the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) negotiations to fund the development of a new addiction...
Virginia has achieved a remarkable milestone in public health, with new data revealing a 44% year-on-year decline in Virginia fentanyl overdose deaths. This significant reduction demonstrates how targeted community-led strategies can deliver life-saving results when local authorities unite behind comprehensive drug overdose prevention efforts. Leading the Nation in Overdose Death Reduction According to the Centers...
Education unlocks potential. For many in addiction recovery across Ireland, it is the key to rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and finding lasting stability. However, a leading charity supporting those battling addiction and homelessness has issued a stark warning. Without urgent government funding, the Ireland addiction recovery education programme, which benefits hundreds of people in recovery,...
Cannabis is the most widely consumed illicit drug worldwide, with an estimated 228 million people using it as of 2022. While many experience no adverse effects, a significant percentage face challenges related to heavy consumption. Research shows that up to 33% of regular users develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), which can disrupt personal, professional, and...
New scientific findings are shedding light on the impacts of antenatal opioid exposure on newborn brain development. Understanding how opioids affect an infant’s brain can provide valuable insights for preventative measures and future research. The differences in brain volumes between opioid-exposed and unexposed newborns, the specific effects of different substances on brain regions, and the...
The opioid epidemic continues to cast a long shadow over public health, with its effects felt in every corner of society. Among Medicare enrollees, a vulnerable group often facing significant health challenges, the numbers highlight an alarming issue. According to a recent report from the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human...
Drug-related law enforcement has long been a controversial topic, especially when considering its impact on violence. A recent systematic review by RAND Europe, commissioned by the UK Home Office, sheds light on the effectiveness of various drug enforcement strategies to reduce violence. The findings suggest that while some interventions, such as selective enforcement, show promise,...
The number of prisoners waiting for addiction support in Barlinnie Prison is growing, with inspectors highlighting long delays for rehabilitation and recovery services. A recent independent inspection report found that more than 200 people are waiting to be assessed for essential addiction support programmes in Scotland’s largest jail. The shortage of resources and rising demand...
Lambeth Council is making strides in addressing substance misuse in Brixton through its innovative Brixton drug support programme. A pilot outreach scheme was launched 18 months ago. It has now become a permanent fixture, directly engaging with rough sleepers and substance users. The on-street team has been instrumental in building trust. They encourage individuals to seek help,...