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Matter of life and death
[…] THN then you can’t get it.’ This seems a very potent illustration of well-informed demand in an area where drug-related deaths need to be reduced. b) Anecdotally, harm reduction, needle exchange, active drug user and recovery networks often hear that the ‘THN availability problem’ is widespread, yet no reliable mapping of English THN outlets/availability exists. […]
Change of scene
[…] and support. We’ve just been through so many epochs – from the abstinence approach in the mid ‘80s to HIV and public health and the move towards harm reduction.’ Then came the ‘whole focus on recovery, particularly abstinent recovery. I think we suffered significantly from that in terms of a narrow focus. We’ve obviously come […]
The DDN Conference 2023
[…] should come? Everyone, it’s as simple as that! What makes this event unique is the diversity of its delegates. It’s a chance to meet and network with harm reduction advocates, recovery communities, representatives from central and local government, family support services, drug policy campaign groups, and inspiring individuals who are challenging stigma and fighting for […]
Humankind set to offer drug and alcohol support to people in Sheffield
[…] work, to afford more people in Sheffield the support to access recovery services and improve their wellbeing.” The new service will include a range of support including harm reduction, care coordination, clinical and therapeutic interventions. As part of our aftercare and recovery support we will continue to work with people who become abstinent to help […]
Brink of success
[…] we’ve got to be really careful that the government doesn’t hijack it as a means to a political end, because when that happens those people who are harm reduction advocates aren’t able to see us recovery folks in a well-meaning light. ‘They just see us as being part of the Tory agenda, and we’re absolutely […]
A diverse service for a diverse population
[…] informed working alongside consultant Occupational Therapists takes place, speech and language therapy is on offer. Hands on activity-based sessions look at promoting relapse prevention skills and raising harm reduction knowledge, respecting people with different learning styles and abilities. Voices and Visions is another Phoenix intervention which takes place weekly to support clients with mental health […]
New alcohol and drug service launches for Bradford district
[…] We want people to know that this service will be there for you in your recovery journey.” New Vision Bradford will include a range of support including harm reduction, care coordination, clinical and therapeutic interventions. The service will also provide support for family members. New Vision Bradford will continue to work with people who become […]
A Different Key
[…] of support to recovery services, while resettlement workers looked at housing needs. The demographic of different prisons had informed different initiatives – from a particular emphasis on harm reduction in a high-security environment, to care around hormones in a women’s prison, to an ‘Old Wise Lads’ mutual aid group in a prison with a population […]
A partnership between national and local charities launches in Bradford
[…] forward-looking partners, achieving, and growing together developing a world class treatment & recovery system that Bradford deserves.’ New Vision Bradford will include a range of support including harm reduction, care coordination, clinical and psychosocial therapeutic interventions. Create Strength Group will provide support for people who become abstinent to create a lived experience-led recovery community for […]
DDN National Conference 2023
[…] to challenge stigma and thrive. The second session focused on peer power. Alistair Bryant and Luke O’Neil from Cranstoun shared genuine examples of co-production to develop their dynamic harm reduction initiatives including peer led naloxone distribution and innovative tech to create the BuddyUp app. Laura Pechey from the government’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and […]
Supermarket alcohol prices in Scotland rose by 18 per cent after MUP
[…] our consumption across products generally, due to the burden on natural resources and biodiversity,’ said head of policy at IAS, Jennifer Keen. ‘However alcohol has a dual harm, as not only does it negatively impact the environment, but also kills millions of people around the world every year. So reducing alcohol consumption, through known, […]
Biden pardons thousands convicted of cannabis possession
US president Joe Biden has officially pardoned thousands of people who have convictions for possessing cannabis. The pardons are for ‘simple possession’ offences, and do not extend to convictions for selling or trafficking the drug. President Biden: Sending people to prison for possession has upended too many lives. ‘As I often said during my campaign […]
Caring and compassionate
[…] recognised addictions accreditation. Nursing gives the opportunity to work in a variety of roles within services including providing specialist interventions in physical and mental health, leading on harm reduction initiatives for bloodborne viruses, needle exchange, provision of naloxone, and support with detoxification from alcohol and/or other drugs. Some nurses choose to study at Masters level, […]
DDN September 2022
[…] and success of essential parts of the treatment system, including hepatitis C initiatives (p10 & 16). Let’s also remember (p25) that they are vital to designing a harm reduction system that makes sense. Starting this month, our new series on career development looks at the essential role of the recovery/keyworker. Send your professional queries to […]
Scotland would oppose punitive drugs penalties, says Constance
[…] which renews the call for a public health approach to Scotland’s ongoing drug death crisis. Scotland has been pushing the UK government to allow the introduction of harm reduction measures such as consumption rooms and drug-testing facilities, Constance states, adding that the white paper’s proposals are ‘disappointing’ and lacking in evidence. One of the key […]
European cocaine availability surpassing pre-pandemic levels
[…] after the pandemic’s restrictions, the report continues, although many services have retained some COVID-era innovations such as e-health provision. However, there is a need to scale up harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, with only four countries meeting WHO targets of providing 200 syringes per year per person and having 40 per cent […]
Ireland at ‘tipping point’ with problem cocaine use
[…] to lobby the UK government to introduce safer injection sites. ‘Drug deaths are preventable,’ said RCN Scotland Board member Greg Usrey. ‘Safe injecting services are about reducing harm and providing an opportunity for some of our most vulnerable to engage with services they might not access. We need to push for these facilities to […]
British Columbia launches ‘healthcare over handcuffs’ decriminalisation experiment
[…] to legalise cannabis in 2018 (DDN, November 2018, page 4). Kennedy Stewart: Decriminalisation is a ‘groundbreaking step’ The province has also been increasing its residential rehab and harm reduction provision in response to Canada’s ongoing opioid crisis. Last saw more than 2,200 drug-related deaths in B.C., more than 25 per cent up on 2020’s figures […]
DDN Conference 2022 Information
[…] 7pm on the night of the 22 June some of the speakers, delegates, exhibitors, and the DDN team are meeting for an informal catch up and ‘ harm reduction cafe’ in the Shakespeare Inn, B3 1JJ If you are in town the night before the conference we hope you will join us. The DDN Team […]
Stand up and be counted
[…] up simply rebuilding the treatment system of the past. That system did not effectively meet the needs of women. We need to create a new system of harm reduction, treatment and recovery for the future, which puts the needs of women at its heart. Women are central to local communities and families and are hugely […]
Consuming passion
[…] have friends in the medical profession, which is why I was so good at injecting and why my skills now are around teaching safer injecting and other harm reduction interventions.’ Growing demand Although French, he’s been in the UK for 25 years, but is in regular touch with key figures in the drugs sector in […]
DDN 1013 web
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com ISSN 1755-b23b October 2013 INSIDE – RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT DIRECTORY NEWS FOCUS What can we do about young people being hospitalised for alcohol? p6 HEALTHY EXCHANGE Harm reduction and public health come together at the NNEF meeting p12 PROFILE Philippe Bonnet on the campaign to bring a drug consumption room to Birmingham p16 w.drinwkna ww […]
Cannabis legalisation could see use rise but potency fall
[…] consequences of different potential forms of regulation, with laissez-faire reforms likely to encourage large numbers of small producers and therefore potentially higher potency levels and consequent long-term harm. Although the impacts on criminal justice and treatment costs would likely be ‘modest’ – at around £200-300m – the document estimates that the tax revenue from […]
Europeans using more cannabis since pandemic
[…] with 32 per cent saying they were now using more (herbal) cannabis. More than 40 per cent, however, said that they were using less MDMA/ecstasy. Last summer harm reduction organisation The Loop warned clubbers and festival-goers to ‘pace themselves’ as venues started to re-open after lockdown restrictions, particularly as their tolerance may have reduced after […]
Drugs of choice
[…] be fair, anyone in those rooms who knew me knew I was the last person to advise not to take psychoactives therapeutically as a passionate proponent of harm reduction, but most didn’t know me at all. The only groups I regularly go to now are full of people navigating similar dilemmas. Some opt to take […]
Broadening the reach
[…] responses are vital, and naloxone supply must be a crucial priority in efforts to reduce the death rate. At Change Grow Live, a key focus in our harm reduction work over the last five years has been increasing the availability of naloxone to those within structured treatment, as well as their family, friends, and wider […]
Families First Conference 2013 programme
[…] mother and activist Kate’s involvement with the trauma of drugs in the family began when her daughter became addicted to heroin. She became a passionate advocate of harm reduction, and as a member of the Brighton Independent Drugs Commission, she added a mother’s perspective to the case for treatment over punishment. 11:40am: Tea Break 12pm […]
Cannabis legalisation could see use rise but potency fall
[…] consequences of different potential forms of regulation, with laissez-faire reforms likely to encourage large numbers of small producers and therefore potentially higher potency levels and consequent long-term harm. Although the impacts on criminal justice and treatment costs would likely be ‘modest’ – at around £200-300m – the document estimates that the tax revenue from […]
NZ to ban sale of cigarettes to ‘future generations’
[…] people,’ said health minister Dr Ayesha Verrall. ‘Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand and causes one in four cancers. Smoking related harm is particularly prevalent in our Māori, Pacific and low-income communities. While smoking rates are heading in the right direction, we need to do more, faster to […]
PHE ‘does not recognise’ picture painted in think tank report
[…] according to Freedom of Information data, 55 per cent of English local authorities have cut their residential treatment budgets since the coalition came to power, while ‘ harm reduction services that maintain people in their addiction have been preserved under the NHS ring-fence’, with a 40 per cent rise in the number of people on […]
The Big Conversation
[…] deliver the next stage? How do we achieve the aspiration of a recovery orientated system of care that, in Day’s words, meant ‘high quality clinical services with harm reduction at the front door’ alongside ‘high quality recovery support services’? Furthermore, he asked, ‘What could each part do to make the other parts thrive?’ ‘Many things […]
The Dame Carol Black review is a major opportunity to revitalise how we support...
[…] first ‘find a needle exchange’ service, have new online groups, and new overdose prevention illustrated guides such as on how to use naloxone, ensuring people can access harm reduction information without having to come into a service. We must continue to explore new innovative ways to reach more people. Diversifying our services also means designing […]
MUP has had ‘lasting impact’ on drinking levels
[…] as well as its impact.’ Alcohol Health Alliance chair Professor Sir Ian Gilmore. ‘This is powerful real-world evidence of the success of minimum unit pricing as a harm reduction policy,’ said chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore. ‘Westminster has said time and time again that it is waiting for evidence from […]
We need to divert more young people from the criminal justice system
[…] receiving a one-to-one intervention with With You. They are provided with direct support, education on drugs and alcohol, information regarding the law, prevention of drug use and harm reduction advice. Once police receive confirmation of attendance from With You, the associated crime report is finalised as a ‘Community Resolution with Restorative Justice’. Read the full […]
Problem drug use ‘not a personal failing’, says SDF manifesto
[…] numbers in treatment should be doubled so that 70-80 per cent of the people ‘who could benefit from treatment are actively engaged’, it says, while successful local harm reduction initiatives should be rolled out nationally, with increased investment for HIV and hepatitis testing for anyone with a history of injecting drugs. Services for women also […]
Country-wide naloxone awareness campaign launches
[…] population, and this allows for their lives to be seen as expendable. This has to end – we must recognise that stigma kills.’ One of the posters features harm reduction activist and regular DDN conference volunteer Lee Collingham. ‘I was losing friends and going to funerals. They were poorly attended and the word heroin was omitted […]
In it together
[…] alcohol dependence can both strengthen relationships and reduce problematic drinking, says Kate Thompson. Although behavioural couples therapy has been recommended in NICE guidance since 2011 for ‘ harmful drinkers and people with mild alcohol dependence who have a regular partner who is willing to participate in treatment’, counselling and therapy that focuses on the […]
Homelessness ‘substantially’ increases BBV risk for people who inject drugs
[…] of the link between BBV risk and homelessness, and combines data from 45 previous studies. Homelessness and unstable housing mean people are less likely to access both harm reduction measures such as needle exchange or substitute medication and HIV or hep C treatment – they are also more likely to have recently been in prison […]
Young people’s drug use could be 20 per cent higher than estimated
[…] really important research which shows how widespread use of drugs and alcohol by young people is and gives us important evidence to inform both local policy and harm reduction and treatment responses.’ Testing the validity of national drug surveys: comparison between a general population cohort and household surveys published in the journal Addiction at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.15371 teenager […]
DDN Publication dates 2021
[…] health (Mental Health Awareness Week, 18-23 May) Nursing Alcohol June Volunteering (Volunteers’ Week, 1-6 June) Carers’ Week (8-13 June) Training & careers Criminal Justice Early trauma July/August Harm reduction (International OD Awareness Day, 31 Aug) Focus on nursing Hep C (World Hepatitis Day, 28 July) Ideas & innovations September Recovery Month Overseas developments Homelessness & […]
DDN September 2020
[…] (p15) highlights the resources we have for informing treatment – what could be more effective than learning from the experts? Overdose Awareness Day should teach us that harm reduction is not an optional extra, but a matter of life over death. Stigma at home and abroad is standing in the way of essential progress and […]
Big strides made in elimination of hepatitis C, but still a long way to...
[…] caused by injecting drugs, we have the specialist knowledge to be able to support the majority of people who have the condition. “We work closely with NHS harm reduction teams, who put people in the community in touch with us. We take over their care at this point – which could be anything from testing […]
Safeguarding Sanctuary
[…] regular phone contact with the perpetrator when she arrived, who would often try to manipulate her, use controlling and coercive behaviour, give verbal abuse and threaten self- harm if she didn’t return home. SafeNet supported Kerry to stop contact and she attended domestic abuse groups at Jane’s Place. Extensive safety planning work was done […]
Policy Scope
[…] were very careful about language in our report, incidentally, opting after much discussion for ‘women involved in prostitution’). For example, the women we spoke to valued the harm reduction services that were targeted at them (needle exchange, condoms and ‘scripts’) but equally they spoke about their aspirations for a decent place to live, a ‘normal’ […]
On the margins – news focus
[…] attention.’ The ‘process of change and recovery’ is likely to be a lengthy one, the document stresses, making it vital that a range of support – from harm reduction to help in exiting prostitution and support for ongoing recovery – are provided. The report looks at the kinds of interventions that work best, as well […]
News in brief
[…] need to acknowledge that ‘drug policy approaches dominated by strict law enforcement practices’ perpetuate the spread of hepatitis C by exacerbating marginalisation and undermining people’s access to harm reduction and treatment services, according to a report from the Global Commission on Drug Policy. The negative impact of the war on drugs on public health: the […]
19th November issue
[…] skills and the motivation to do well. It emphasises the argument reiterated in our letters page and in FDAP conference presentations – that It’s not about reducing the options to ‘either harm reduction or abstinence’, but about making sure we have both, at the time the individual is ready – and this can not be emphasised enough in a climate of fear […]
23rd April issue
[…] have also been notable successes, such as lower rates of HIV among drug users than in other comparable European countries. The Commission’s job will be to highlight what works – obviously harm reduction measures in this case – as well as what doesn’t. The new charity has already involved a diverse body of expertise – including some that normally comment on policy, […]
29th January issue
[…] and parenting charities debated issues at a recent seminar and learnt from innovative schemes (page 12). Gary Rees shows determination to improve communication between prisons and makes progress in healthcare and harm reduction through the innovative ‘Sparcle!’ network, on page 10. Finally, amid reports of how crystal meth is devastating America, the Home Office reclassified the drug this week. How worried should […]
30th June issue
[…] as directly to us here at DDN. But I make no apology for carrying debate, because that’s exactly what DDN is here for. If you’re part of a harm reduction network, you know why you’re there; if you’re contributing to a blog that supports abstinence you know you’re among like-minded friends. But addiction doesn’t microchip its subjects […]
16th June issue
[…] local culture. But Jacquie Johnston-Lynch describes in our cover story how her 12-step service in Liverpool not only played the game of attracting clients, but played it alongside the harm reduction teams, to become part of the same strong league of services. This is surely what it’s about – getting out there and playing with enthusiasm, so that […]
Counsellor Acorn House 2 days
[…] their substance misuse, including mental health, child protection, homelessness, abuse, etc. using a range of c ounselling models 1.2 Providing counselling/support on specific substance use issues including harm reduction relapse prevention and motivational work 2. Client Work 2.1 To proactively deliver a high quality/person centred service provision that meets the needs of the service users […]
Latin American states consider consequences of drug reform
[…] a move from criminalisation to public health in drug policy, abstinence-only approaches had still dominated, ‘even in the health sphere’, said director of the Open Society International Harm Reduction Program, Daniel Wolfe. ‘These scenarios offer a chance for leaders to replace indiscriminate detention and rights abuses with approaches that distinguish between users and traffickers and […]
News in brief
[…] ongoing economic crisis will see more young people selling and producing drugs – especially home-grown cannabis – at the same time as budget cuts hit treatment and harm reduction services, according to a new report from the European Commission (EC). The study was a ‘wake-up call for Europe’, said EU justice commissioner Viviane Reding. Study […]
Work Fair
[…] where he’d been injecting. That was the first time I’d come into contact with anything like that.’ By chance, a friend was working with consultant psychiatrist and harm reduction pioneer Dr John Marks, and arranged for her to spend a week shadowing staff at his service. ‘I went to an outreach, family conferences, scripting sessions. […]
BTCprog4
[…] enterprise zone. - Alternative therapy zone. - Open meetings with NUN and other organizations. - Live music. - Open mic ‘Soapbox’ area. - Drop-in suggestion wall. - Harm Reduction café. 2.00pm-3.30pm: A fternoon session Interactiv e session - An interactive session, chaired by Carole Sharma. Carole is chief executive of The Federation of Drug and […]
Tsunami of Need
[…] Lose the opportunity to be with others with the same shared experiences of life? When people lose their sense of belonging? The answer: negative thoughts, relapse, self- harm, overdose, suicide and death. Read the article at www.phoenix-futures.org.uk ———– DDN magazine is a free publication self-funded through advertising. We are proud to work in partnership […]
BTCprog3
[…] enterprise zone. - Alternative therapy zone. - Open meetings with NUN and other organizations. - Live music. - Open mic ‘Soapbox’ area. - Drop-in suggestion wall. - Harm Reduction café. 2.00pm-3.30pm: A fternoon session Interactiv e session - An interactive session, chaired by Carole Sharma. Carole is chief executive of The Federation of Drug and […]
BTCprog2
[…] enterprise zone. - Alternative therapy zone. - Open meetings with NUN and other organizations. - Live music. - Open mic ‘Soapbox’ area. - Drop-in suggestion wall. - Harm Reduction café. 2.00pm-3.30pm: A fternoon session Interactiv e session - An interactive session, chaired by Carole Sharma. Carole is chief executive of The Federation of Drug and […]
Letters
[…] Newsnight (DDN, January, page 13). It just served to denigrate Eliot Albers and INPUD as a whole, who are not just pushing for legalisation but also bring harm reduction work to countries where drug users are arrested, imprisoned and executed for possessing small amounts of drugs and also just for possessing drug-taking paraphernalia. Peter Simonson, […]