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Model of choice: a new addiction paradigm?
[…] the so-called ‘medical model’ with its alleged transfer of dependence to state-endorsed substances, while others shout loudly in support of what they claim is a more inclusive harm reduction approach. But what if there was a model that encompassed all these laudable ideas and then took things a stage further? In 2007 the World Health […]
September 2016
[…] than a disease, as Maia Szalawitz suggests? Will we listen to new evidence to reshape drug policy, asks David Nutt. And what should be the purpose of harm reduction – as primary goal or to eliminate drug use? Mike Ashton presents both sides of the argument. Read on for ideas and inspiration, including a look […]
May 2016
[…] at stake and real hope of reform (page 6). What actually took place makes you question the value of such processes, watered down by the need for consensus. What is the point, if there’s no movement on abolishing the death penalty and little progress on harm reduction? Virtual Mag / PDF Version Drink and Drugs News
False economies
[…] stubbornly high and had increased again, with last year’s figure of 613 the highest ever recorded. Looking back, policy responses in the 1980s had been rooted in harm reduction and methadone, until the newly elected SNP introduced a strategy of ‘drug- free recovery’ in 2008 (and a ‘new hostility to methadone’). Drug services began changing […]
Media savvy
[…] BMJ editorial, 3 November Around the world, about 25 countries including Australia, the Czech Republic, Portugal and Switzerland have initiated reform. Even Iran’s theocracy brought in progressive harm-reduction measures and has influential voices calling for cannabis and opium legalisation. Slowly but surely we are seeing the end of stupid policies to prohibit drug use […]
November DDN 2015
In this month’s issue of DDN… ‘Talk of “ harm reduction” is increasingly taboo – and completely absent from government communications.’ In the latest issue of DDN, Ian Sherwood asks whether drug treatment is being derailed by the sector’s refusal to push for reform. Click on the links below to read more, and don’t forget […]
DDN 1015
[…] USE DRINK AUG I N N DRINASGEG DRINK RAUGSKE E GSEWANRWONSWEDNACGTND NCNAB20UB1D E 2 DGSNDD ISSN 1S75 -623 INSIDE NNEF: reports from the frontline of harm reduction Turning science into policy Recovery month round-up Sb FE G UbRD IN G I N T R Eb TM EN T S E R V IC ES ; […]
DDN 0615
DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS ISSN 1755-6236 JUNE 2015 Join us and have your say: www.drinkanddrugsnews.com TAKING HARM REDUCTION TO THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT DRINK AURG DRINK AN UNGSINEDW USIW E U NDUKGS U N DUK SIRIN GSNU INSIDE Getting naloxone out there Meeting the needs of steroid users Canine care at Chandos House Sh are […]
UK drug policy
[…] policies on skewed statistics will never result in anything other than further harm. Criminalising drugs and sticking to a purely abstinence-based approach will not make drug use disappear. It only puts people in danger, increases stigmatisation, and places unrealistic conditions on those would benefit from harm reduction practices. Prison Door - illustrating drug use in prisons
Meeting the needs of anabolic steroid users
[…] injecting temazepam, and they had horrendous injuries from poor injecting techniques. That’s how I got into working in drug services, through that desire to get involved in harm reduction.’ There’s a great deal of harm to be prevented when it comes to users of anabolic steroids and associated drugs. As well as putting themselves at […]
European Alcohol Conference
[…] tended to drink more were the ones that wanted help to drink less – but were also reluctant to change their behaviour. ‘We underestimate our personal vulnerability to harm,’ said Winstock – pointing out that individuals not only enjoyed drinking, but rationalised and normalised their behaviour when it suited them, so they were more likely […]
Engaging dependent drinkers
[…] project has developed the Blue light project manual, which contains tools for understanding why clients may not engage, risk assessment tools that are appropriate for drinkers and harm reduction techniques that workers can use. The manual also offers advice on crucial nutritional approaches, which can reduce alcohol-related harm, questions to help non-clinicians identify potential serious […]
Comment from the drug and alcohol field
[…] getting any airtime at all. One articulate morphine-scripted friend said, ‘the problem is that the message he gives makes it OK for treatment providers to radically reduce harm reduction services’, and that should worry us all at a time where overdose deaths have doubled in the UK and the government is planning to build more […]
LGBT drug support
[…] it became apparent that there was a real opportunity to get to people ‘much earlier in their cycle of drug use’, he says. ‘We can give some harm reduction advice, maybe some motivational interviewing sessions to look at behavioural change, but in the context of their sexual behaviour and their drug use together, which I […]
GP advice – Steve Brinksman
[…] weekly consumption was 60 units in the first week and 45 units in the second. He was pleased with this progress and it will obviously reduce the harm if his drinking can be maintained at this level, although both he and I acknowledged that it would be better if he could reduce further. Previously, […]
Treatment complete?
[…] already in drug treatment, asks Dr Steve Brinksman There is still a lot of – sometimes heated – debate about whether drug services should be recovery or harm-reduction based. Yet I rarely hear the same passion when we talk about treating viral hepatitis. Services will talk about high levels of BBV screening and uptake […]
What price life?
[…] with witnesses (other drug users) present. A Patient Group Direction (PGD) had been sent out to nurses and pharmacists in community addiction teams, needle and syringe programmes, harm reduction teams and the Scottish Prison Service, and Lord Advocate’s Guidelines allowed naloxone to be supplied by staff working for services in contact with people at risk […]
A dangerous game
[…] access effective treatment. Nevertheless, at Release we are still seeing too many services around the country failing to protect people who use benzos from significant and avoidable harms. Max had been self-medicating his anxiety with illicit alprazolam for some time. Struggling to manage this by himself, he reached out to his GP for support. […]
Better joined up working needed between treatment and child sexual abuse services
[…] reported having mental health problems, along with 15 per cent of males, while 33 per cent of females and 9 per cent of males reported having self- harmed. The review stresses that these ‘multiple vulnerabilities and complex needs’ need to be properly addressed, while ‘young people becoming young adults need to be supported as […]
The discovery of recovery – where did it all start?
[…] dated to May 2008, when governments in Scotland and England presented it as a new dawn, which would reinvigorate treatment services stuck in the rut of preventing harm and crime rather than redeeming and regenerating lives. In an ‘age of austerity’, commentators have noted that the ambitious rhetoric was not matched by the ‘intensive […]
Best foot forward
[…] drugs service in Leicester) at the Leicester UKRF event, which marked the end of a Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland recovery week which encompassed art exhibitions, flashmobs, a harm reduction café, drama, walks, open days and a picnic. The Umbrella Café, a dry bar, launched in Manchester on 5 September and they’ve been putting on really […]
The golden key
[…] care about their clients and who communicate and work together to deliver the needs identified by the individual patient across the whole spectrum of treatment – from harm reduction to supporting abstinence. Steve Brinksman is a GP in Birmingham and clinical lead of SMMGP. www.smmgp.org.uk. He is also the RCGP regional lead in substance misuse […]
Spanning the years
[…] this has been the shift – the joint working of organisations, rather than “us and them”.’ All that has gone alongside a recognition of the value of harm reduction, she says, as well as ‘looking much more at self-help and supporting people to make changes themselves, rather than telling them to make changes. It’s a […]
One step beyond
[…] seeking abstinence can be the most effective way of overcoming their problem, but for many others this could lead to serious consequences and an approach focusing on harm reduction will be more suitable. Indeed, individuals who are not quite ready to be abstinent would benefit from being prescribed a substitute medication for as long as […]
Loaded dice?
[…] suffer as a consequence of their gambling behaviour,’ says Marc Etches, chief executive of the Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT), a charity which exists to help ‘minimise gambling-related harm’ via voluntary donations from the gambling industry – around £6m per year. From March 2013 to March 2014, 80 per cent of this money was spent […]
Is anyone in?
[…] Housing First model, accepted in the US as the best way of helping people off the street. Unlike many of the housing schemes this model relied on harm reduction rather than the requirement of abstinence, but achieved positive outcomes through linking with long-term multi-agency support. Housing was an important element to sustaining the recovery model, […]
Filling the gap
[…] an assessment. Overdose prevention is something that should be done at every stage of drug service work, from brief interventions during needle sessions, right though to relapse prevention overdose work in rehab situations. Nigel Brunsdon is community manager at HIT and a harm reduction trainer, www.injectingadvice.com Screen shot 2014-08-04 at 12.09.41 Screen shot 2014-08-04 at 12.10.08
City Manager
[…] we forge and foster new and existing relationships and pathways across Derby, this is a great time to join us. Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity with global ambition. Our vision is to be a world-class leader in rebuilding lives and our purpose is to inspire and empower people to live […]
Clinical Lead
Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity with global ambition. Our vision is to be a world-class leader in rebuilding lives. Our purpose is to inspire and empower people to live healthier and safer lives, and our values are Ambitious, Creative, Compassionate, Collaborative and Respectful. About the role We are looking for a confident, compassionate and skilled […]
Programmes Facilitator
[…] to understand their behaviours, build motivation for change, and engage in structured recovery‑focused programmes. You will facilitate group sessions, complete assessments, and provide 1:1 support that promotes harm reduction, stabilisation, and long‑term recovery. Working closely with prison staff, healthcare teams, and partner agencies, you will ensure that every individual receives safe, effective, and person‑centred support. […]
Changing the dynamic
[…] and how their own choices can influence their outcomes. SODA isn’t about parking people on OST, it’s about allowing OST to fulfil its dual role as both harm reduction and a recovery tool. For people who want to come off, we’ve developed a ‘readiness to reduce’ companion – a structured assessment that starts from the […]
NPS still being detected in Europe at a rate of one a week
[…] being driven by high levels of cocaine availability and the ease of local conversion from powder cocaine, says EUDA. ‘Crack cocaine use is placing increasing strain on harm reduction and treatment providers as they respond to the needs of a group experiencing serious health and social problems,’ it states. Opioids, usually in combination with other […]
Assessment Recovery Worker
[…] healthcare team, providing specialist support to adults affected by drug and alcohol misuse. In this rewarding role, you will work within a client-centred treatment framework, delivering both harm reduction and abstinence-based interventions tailored to individual needs. You will manage a diverse caseload, undertaking comprehensive assessments, developing SMART care plans, and delivering structured one-to-one and group […]
Care, Quality and Governance Coordinator
[…] be required to meet service needs. For further information, please contact Natasha Simpson, Mobilisation Lead – Derby, on nsimpson@cranstoun.org.uk quoting job reference number:1707 About Cranstoun Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity with global ambition. Our vision is to be a world-class leader in rebuilding lives. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure. We […]
Senior Practitioner
[…] with people who use drugs and alcohol, or other vulnerable groups. Experience of supervising or mentoring staff within a health or social care setting. Strong knowledge of harm reduction, safeguarding and clinical practice. Understanding of governance, risk management and quality assurance processes. Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships. Strong IT skills and experience of […]
Operations Manager
[…] fast-paced environment. You will have: Significant experience working within substance use or related services. Experience of managing or supervising staff and supporting team development. Strong knowledge of safeguarding, harm reduction and clinical practice. Experience of working in partnership and influencing across systems. Excellent communication skills and ability to build effective relationships. You will be values-driven, committed to improving […]
Homelessness Drug and Alcohol Recovery Practitioner
[…] with them to ensure personalised and recovery-focused treatment journeys. Acting as a care coordinator by providing a range of evidence-based interventions such as key working, motivational interviewing, ITEP mapping, harm reduction and relapse prevention. Working in partnership with our clinical and aftercare services, primary care services, Criminal Justice agencies, Young Peoples’ services, treatment providers and the local community. Carrying out […]
Outreach Practitioner
[…] bring: Experience working with young people or adults in an addictions, social care, education, youth work or community‑support setting. Good understanding of substance misuse, health‑related issues and harm reduction. Ability to engage individuals in a variety of environments, adapting your style to meet diverse needs. Experience working with external partners such as schools, healthcare services […]
Drugs ‘too readily available’ in HMP Leeds
[…] – that is why we are already taking urgent action to tackle the spread of drugs by investing over £40m in new prison security nationally and reduce self- harm by strengthening support for prisoners who may be at risk’. Last year a report from HM Inspectorate of Prisons stated that drugs were now ‘undermining every […]
‘If someone asks for help, we help’: Cornwall service supports 4,100 a year
[…] needle exchange services, and the distribution of naloxone. The service also provides support for families and friends, recognising the wider impact of substance use. Alongside clinical and harm reduction interventions, WithYou supports people with the practical aspects of rebuilding their lives – from accessing housing and managing debt to developing life skills such as cooking […]
Giving prison leavers OST on final day cuts drug death risk by more than...
[…] significantly less likely to die from drug-related causes within four weeks of release,’ the report concludes. ‘This finding supports previous research and emphasises the effectiveness of OST as a harm reduction strategy, and its potential to save lives during the critical period immediately after release from prison.’ According to the report, prison spells for theft had the […]
Mental health is biggest chemsex-related concern
[…] to be strengthened, and awareness and visibility levels improved. ‘People we spoke to expressed a need to have access to a wide range of intervention types including harm reduction, out of hours support, and more holistic opportunities to address their substance use issues,’ the document states. ‘They were especially clear about their desire for support […]
DDN Conference 2026 Programme
[…] George is known for developing innovative, user-led projects that place people with lived and living experience at the heart of practice, with a strong focus on engagement, harm reduction and real-world impact. Building on powerful lessons from his own lived experience, he has become known as an award-winning trainer and consultant with over 20 years’ […]
All by myself
[…] save lives, we need to redesign our systems around connection, not surveillance, not punishment, not shame. Most of the answers already exist in the everyday practices of harm reduction, lived experience and community work. The task now is to centre them. People aren’t dying because they use drugs. They’re dying because they’re alone. Changing that […]
SWIM Supported Housing Manager
[…] Team Leaders, Project Workers and Volunteers and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents. 2. Effectively manage the Housing Team to deliver a blend of Housing First, harm reduction techniques and the provision of Psychologically Informed Environments. You will ensure staff provide a timely and robust assessment, pre -tenancy work and case coordination of individuals […]
Drug executions hit highest ever level
At least 1,212 people were executed for drug-related offences last year, according to the latest analysis by Harm Reduction International (HRI) – a ‘catastrophic’ 97 per cent increase on 2024’s total of 615 and the highest number since monitoring began two decades ago. More than 950 of the executions were carried out in Iran, an average […]
DDN March 2026
[…] find — it should be something they can count on. In the same spirit of responsiveness, Digital Lifelines Scotland shows how embracing technology can add superpowers to harm reduction, particularly when co-production is involved. What better way to strengthen engagement – particularly at key transition points such as prison release and homelessness – and find […]
Pharmacies in Worcestershire to offer access to lifesaving medication in charity pilot scheme
[…] Governance Lead at Cranstoun Naloxone will be available at three pharmacies in the county during a trial to widen access to this lifesaving tool. Social justice and harm reduction charity Cranstoun is leading the pharmacy naloxone take-home project, which will run as a pilot for six to nine months. The aim is to broaden access […]
Letters
[…] is helping people to recover their lives without a substance dictating their days, why would anyone disagree with that? I believe there are other ways to recover. Harm reduction is vital to begin with, but does it make sense to spend a life on a substance like methadone and many other so called solutions? AA […]
Clocking On
[…] who’s struggling and has nowhere else to turn’ said Els van Koeverden of De Regenboog Groep, an Amsterdam-based organisation that supported people facing marginalisation by providing low-threshold, harm-reduction based services. The organisation had around 400 employees and 1,500 volunteers, and operated day shelters, drop-in centres, consumption rooms and street-sweeping teams alongside restaurants and cafes, […]
More for less
[…] The outcomes show how relatively small interventions can have a huge impact on engagement, wellbeing and risk. This is work that can sit at the intersection of harm reduction, safeguarding and inequality and it can happen one SIM card, bus ticket and birth certificate at a time. Data poverty As everything moves further towards ‘digital […]
‘Abnormally slow heart rate’ associated with xylazine-fentanyl overdose
[…] associate a clinical sign, such as a slow heart rate, with xylazine following an overdose could therefore be extremely helpful to doctors, she continued. ‘They can provide harm reduction counselling for patients about adulterants and resources like drug testing strips.’ Dr Alison Cave: ‘Addiction and dependency can happen to anyone taking these medicines, even when […]
Naloxone Click & Deliver launches in Wakefield
[…] discreet packaging. The Wakefield service supports over 2,500 residents from across the district, delivering a wide range of treatment methods including one-to-one recovery work sessions, recovery planning, harm reduction advice, needle exchange, group work programmes, open-access drop-ins, and prescribing clinics. Turning Point recognised that there are people with mobility issues, or who live in rural […]
Ketamine – advice for staying safer
[…] new pathway into treatment Redesigned our psychosocial support offering to ensure it is inclusive for young adults and those who are limited by bladder issues Published information, harm reduction advice, and a guide to recognising the signs of ketamine use in others Strengthened links with other healthcare providers to provide pathways into treatment for chronic […]
Drugs minister visits residential rehab to hear from those in recovery
[…] mental health issues. Abbeycare provides continuous care for people with alcohol and drug addictions all under one roof, offering supervised detoxification and rehabilitation. Its programmes also include harm reduction interventions, counselling, recovery care planning, family support and extensive aftercare to services help people address the issues behind their addictions. The centre at Erskine Mains House […]
Protected: Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs) Directory
[…] Recovery Organisations (LEROs) are independent, lived experience-led organisations rooted in local communities. LEROs work alongside specialist services to support people across the full continuum of need – from harm reduction and early intervention, through treatment, to recovery and community reintegration. They help to build recovery communities, provide peer-led support, and embed recovery, early help and community connection […]
DDN December/January 2025
[…] beyond their own wellbeing and break a cycle of trauma, as well as leading to life beyond lockup. We also have a strong and united voice on harm reduction, the call for targeted and effective education, upskilling the workforce, and reminders of the urgent need for sustained investment to stop us rolling backwards. Read our […]
Box Clever
[…] Open Road offers. Tenants can attend the hub located at Beyond the Box to access the right support – getting those in need into treatment and delivering harm reduction, psychosocial support and motivational interventions right on their doorstep. SOS bus Open Road’s ‘SOS bus’ parks up at Beyond the Box once a month to offer […]