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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
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 […]
Potent struggle
[…] comes in many forms. Martin Blakebrough is the CEO of Kaleidoscope and was in Uganda as a guest of Pont from 2 January to 28 February. For more information about Pont visit http://pont-mbale.org.uk Kaleidoscope’s conference, ‘From harm reduction to mindfulness’ is on 14 May in Newport, Gwent. Details at www.kaleidoscopeproject.org.uk Martin Blakeborough Uganda 1 Uganda 2
Recovery & Wellbeing Practitioner
[…] having experience of delivering structured treatment groups. working collaboratively with colleagues and key stakeholder across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring adherence with all Via policies and Safeguarding principles. delivering harm reduction advice, psychosocial interventions, needle & syringe exchanges, Blood borne virus testing and interventions, drug testing and overdose prevention advice. An empathetic and non-judgmental approach is imperative, […]
Lincolnshire police reach milestone in life-saving naloxone training
[…] forward in helping to reduce drug related deaths.’ Naloxone ‘is easy to carry, simple to use and should be part of everyone’s first aid kit’ Elli McNally, harm reduction and health promotion lead at Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, highlighted the life-saving potential of naloxone. ‘People’s lives can be saved by naloxone. It is easy to carry, […]
Young Person Schools Worker
[…] delivering drug and alcohol awareness sessions to professionals, families and other stakeholders. You will provide young people with information and advice around substances, providing factual and up-to-date harm reduction information to enable young people to have a better understanding of the risks, how to stay safe, and make the right choices for them. This is […]
Open Access and Engagement Worker
[…] misuse, successfully re-integrate into society, and become active, contributing citizens. The Open Access and Engagement Worker will be an integral member of the dynamic multi-agency team providing harm reduction advice, needle exchange provision, crisis case management, Single Point of contact cover and developing and delivering comprehensive and tailored individual interventions that will include delivery of […]
Lucie Jones – I am a…
[…] prescriber, you might be offering vaccinations and tests for blood-borne viruses, issuing naloxone or initiating opiate substitute therapy. You could be referring to pathways for treatment, giving harm reduction advice, or improving health outcomes. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING? Seeing people re-engage with services and access the support and treatment they need because of […]
Ketamine misuse: understanding the dangers
[…] the cracks’ due to the systemic divide between these support systems. Educating young people about the risks of ketamine is essential to curbing its growing popularity. Traditional harm reduction campaigns must be adapted to resonate with younger audiences and counteract ketamine’s reputation as a ‘safe’ party drug. Given the isolating nature of ketamine addiction, creating […]
Dead ends – the tobacco industry’s quest for a ‘safe’ combustible cigarette
BY GLOBAL STATE OF TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION (GSTHR) From the 1950s onwards, the tobacco industry spent decades denying any link between smoking and disease. Yet at the same time, it dedicated much time and money trying to develop a ‘safe’ combustible cigarette. This would be a product that achieved the challenging dual aims of satisfying […]
Safe as houses?
[…] reported to the police and could result in eviction.’ Therein sits the contradiction and the failure. On the one hand the recognition of the need for a harm-reduction approach while simultaneously clinging on to a zero-tolerance ‘illegal activities will be reported to the police.’ LEARNING POINTS Looking at the list of ‘key learning points’ […]
Consensus politics
[…] the event’s feedback has been negative, with talk of progressive nations giving in to hardline states like Russia (see news story page 5, and comment facing page). Harm Reduction International (HRI) and the STOPAIDS network of organisations even urged the UK government not to sign the joint ministerial statement adopted at the end of the […]
China executes four Canadians for drugs offences
[…] offences earlier this year, according to the Canadian authorities. The four – whose identities are being withheld – were dual citizens. A report earlier this month from Harm Reduction International (HRI) said that 2024 was the ‘deadliest year’ for drug-related executions in a decade, with 615 known executions carried out worldwide. However, the agency stressed […]
Global executions for drug offences ‘at crisis levels’
2024 was ‘the deadliest year on record since 2015’ for drug-related executions More than 615 people were executed for drug-related offences last year, according to Harm Reduction International (HRI). There were also almost 380 death sentences imposed, with more than 2,300 people currently on death row for drug offences worldwide. Thirty-four countries still retain the death […]
Stacey Skilton – I am a…
[…] knowledge, we’re not giving them the opportunity to use it. And I do think that as drug and alcohol service, we have to be accountable for that harm reduction within our community. It’s our responsibility. If we empower communities to have the knowledge and the skills to know where to go for help when they’re […]
Glasgow consumption room used more than 1,000 times
[…] medical emergencies, it adds, with ambulance support required on some occasions. ‘People using the service who experienced a medical emergency have recovered and been provided with further harm reduction and support from the team,’ it states. ‘There is no denying how much of a difference The Thistle is making to the lives of those using […]
Consensus politics
[…] the event’s feedback has been negative, with talk of progressive nations giving in to hardline states like Russia (see news story page 5, and comment facing page). Harm Reduction International (HRI) and the STOPAIDS network of organisations even urged the UK government not to sign the joint ministerial statement adopted at the end of the […]
One in four Welsh drug deaths now involves cocaine
[…] cocaine is the most used drug at the city’s recently opened consumption room, the Thistle. Of the 239 times the facility had so far been used, 87 per cent were for cocaine, he said. Harm reduction database Wales: drug related mortality available here One in four Welsh drug deaths now involves cocaine Wales drug deaths cocaine
Danger zone
[…] die from heroin, but 50 per cent of smokers will die because they smoke,’ GSTHR’s David MacKintosh tells DDN, as he stresses the huge potential for tobacco harm reduction in drug and alcohol services. GPs are failing to warn patients of the dependence risk of prescription drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids, says an NIHR-funded […]
Bridge the Gap
[…] and when the client desires or is ready for it. This aims to avoid, wherever possible, failure and re-traumatisation. ‘Our specialist outreach workers are skilled at offering harm reduction advice,’ says programme manager Lisa Byrne. ‘At the same time they motivate individuals to engage and benefit from wider social care support, healthcare, benefits, housing, and […]
DDN December 2024/January 2025
[…] relevant – or possible? Using it as a way to avoid drinking too much (aside from using it to keep going for longer) is a twist on harm reduction that we may not have contemplated, but it’s risky. The two substances combine to form toxic cocaethylene, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke – […]
Letters
[…] like to provide the evidence to support them. David Prentice, via email Give us a clue ‘There are figures on both sides of recovery and human rights/ harm reduction who share views and are looking for points of connection and trying to collaborate,’ says Mat Southwell in your interview (DDN, February, page 17). This may […]
Stick it to the man
[…] the creativity and calculated risk-taking that UKHRA, the Methadone Alliance, Exchange Supplies, NDUDA, Mainliners, HIT and Lifeline were utilising to tackle inequalities, challenge the status quo, pioneer harm reduction initiatives and reduce drug-related deaths… and we picked up the torch, carried it on, shared in the successes, learned from the mistakes and suddenly we had […]
The Interplay of Tobacco Farming and Tobacco Control: Exploring Socioeconomic and Health Dynamics in...
[…] approach to tobacco control. However, the article notes Malawi’s limited financial resources and healthcare infrastructure to implement traditional tobacco control measures and highlights an emphasis on tobacco harm reduction, a third pillar of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The article also advocates for an emphasis on alternative livelihood opportunities for smallholder tobacco farmers in […]
Stick together
[…] that enriched the experience and highlighted the collective passion for improving substance treatment services. Throughout the day we handed out information and guidance about our services and harm reduction initiatives, but we also took the opportunity to engage with other organisations and discuss upcoming projects. It reaffirmed our commitment to involving service users at the […]
Strong suit
[…] in insightful workshops, including essential naloxone training from Cranstoun, panel discussions, and networking sessions, all aimed at enhancing the support and resources available to those battling addiction. Harm reduction, holistic therapies, and community-based support systems were all discussed and there was such a feeling of dedication and togetherness, especially surrounding policy changes, how we tackle […]
WithYou responds to the National Records of Scotland report on alcohol-specific deaths
[…] believe that the Scottish Government should update, resource and reinforce treatment standards that ensure people receive a choice of treatment, as well as access to support and harm reduction measures, wherever they are in Scotland. ‘To anyone who is worried about their drinking or that of a loved one, please get in touch. As well […]
Alcohol deaths continue to rise in Scotland
[…] a limited effect. There must be a renewed national focus on preventing people from drinking to hazardous levels. We would like to see more money put towards harm reduction and treatment services for alcohol, as well as a review of drinks marketing and a wider education programme.’ ‘Better access to support for substance use outside […]
Local drug and alcohol charity micro-eliminates hepatitis C ahead of NHS target
[…] done — we must continue our comprehensive testing programme to sustain micro-elimination status and strive towards complete elimination of hepatitis C going forward which includes strengthening our harm reduction provision and reaching more people. ‘I would like to thank the North Somerset team and our partners who have achieved micro-elimination; the impact they’ve had is […]
DDN Conference – video highlights
[…] who were putting lived experience at the heart of their activities Gareth Balmer and the Fife WithYou team shared ideas from a strong peer network to enhance harm reduction services and prevent drug related death. Soulgetic’s founder Stella Kityo shared inspiration on empowering women and strengthening communities. Red Rose Recovery delivered a blueprint for creating […]
DDN July/August 2024
[…] find the best initiatives to go beyond simply drug checking (p10). It’s not about one specific model, says the EMCDDA’s director, but about being ready with a harm reduction system that has a combination of interventions. And as always, working with peers is essential to every initiative involved. Talking of which, will we see you […]
Six new nitazenes detected in ‘rapidly evolving’ European drug market last year
[…] underlines the need for Europe to improve its preparedness for any possible market shifts, by ensuring adequate prevention and treatment, including access to opioid agonist medicines and harm reduction services, as well as making available sufficient supplies of naloxone,’ EMCDDA says. Potent synthetic substances, new drug mixtures and changing patterns of use all ‘pose a […]
Firm foundations
[…] per cent decreases in both resident A&E use and admissions to hospital, and an 18 per cent fall in safeguarding concerns including risk of suicide and self- harm. What all this tells us is that Housing First is so much more than a homelessness intervention. As an effective health and social care intervention, that […]
Government announces major workforce expansion for the field
[…] she added. Ed Day: A crucial step towards a ‘full continuum of care’ The plan would also be crucial to delivering a ‘full continuum of care from harm reduction, through engagement and behaviour change, to long-term recovery support’, said government recovery champion Dr Ed Day. ‘The clear timescales plot a road map to rebuilding the […]
Abbeycare – tailoring recovery and support to each individual’s needs
[…] lounge, a fitness suite, and large gardens with an orchard. Key interventions delivered at both clinics: • clinical assessment • pre-rehab support • supervised detoxification • harm reduction interventions • keywork support • recovery care planning • therapeutic recovery programme • counselling • family support • aftercare planning • continued aftercare and support groups […]
Number of people sleeping rough up by a quarter
[…] to put long-term funding into the proven solutions we know help people to leave the streets behind, such as Housing First.’ February 2024 DDN looked at tobacco harm reduction for people sleeping rough The ‘appalling’ spike in rough sleeping pointed to a situation that was ‘out of control’ and demanded emergency action, added Homeless Link’s […]
Make It Happen! programme
[…] Dr Judith Yates, GP; Kirstie Douse, Release; Anna Millington; Pete Burkinshaw, PHE; Bob Campbell, Phoenix Futures. 12.45pm-1.45pm: Lunch Band and entertainment, exhibition including the service user groups, harm reduction café, head and shoulder massages, taster sessions on auricular acupuncture, yoga class, film show, photo booth (all day). 1.45pm-3.00pm: ‘Perspectives’, chaired by Alistair Sinclair, UKRF Naloxone […]
Government to ban disposable vapes
[…] and Health Care. ‘In the event of a ban, it would be important to encourage current and ex-smokers who use disposables to switch to other types of e-cigarettes rather than going back to just smoking tobacco.’ See tobacco harm reduction feature in the February issue of DDN health secretary Victoria Atkins ASH chief executive Deborah Arnott
European heroin market worth EUR 5bn a year
[…] by synthetic opioids,’ EMCDDA states. ‘This can be attributed to protective factors such as strict prescribing practices, social healthcare provisions in most countries, and well-developed treatment and harm reduction services for existing opioid users.’ However, they are increasingly being detected in places like Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden, and urgent action is needed to ‘increase preparedness’, […]
Overdose prevention centres could save ‘thousands’ of lives, says major evidence review
[…] how many people are likely to use the facilities in the UK (https://www.drinkanddrugsnews.com/the-right-fix/). Dr Gillian Shorter: ‘These spaces aim to meet people where they’re at.’ ‘These are harm-reduction spaces which aim to meet people where they are at, provide health support and basic facilities, and keep people alive,’ said the study’s lead author, Dr […]
Highest ever drug death total for England and Wales
[…] needed to address the escalating drug crisis in the UK (Partner Updates, September 2023): Release, alongside EuroNPUD and other drug treatment service colleagues in the UK, have produced harm reduction advice on nitazenes. (News, January 2023): Fentanyl behind 80% increase in New York’s overdose deaths Search the DDN archive for more on nitazenes, fentanyl and synthetic opioids. […]
Myanmar overtakes Afghanistan as largest opium source
[…] needed to address the escalating drug crisis in the UK (Partner Updates, September 2023): Release, alongside EuroNPUD and other drug treatment service colleagues in the UK, have produced harm reduction advice on nitazenes. (News, January 2023): Fentanyl behind 80% increase in New York’s overdose deaths Search the DDN archive for more on opium, nitazenes, fentanyl and synthetic […]
DDN December/January 2023
[…] stigma. The pragmatic response to the shortage of needle and syringe programmes (p20) shows that swift and certain collaborative action is effective in carving a path to harm reduction. So let’s be just as clear about our one-to-one treatment obligations, including challenging any suggestion of coercive control (p10). When there’s a crisis headlined by an […]
Recovery rocks!
[…] held to raise further funds. Feedback from the event was that it was an enjoyable evening and an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of addiction while highlighting harm reduction, with an alcohol-free bar upstairs as well as alcohol for those who wished to drink safely. This worked really well, with no reported incidents of drunkenness […]
WithYou declares hep c micro-elimination at North Lincolnshire service
[…] done – we must continue our comprehensive testing programme to sustain micro-elimination status and strive towards complete elimination of hepatitis C going forward which includes strengthening our harm reduction provision and reaching more people .’ DDN magazine is a free publication self-funded through advertising. We are proud to work in partnership with many of the […]
Abbeycare appoints service engagement manager with over 20 years’ experience
[…] provides residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation and detoxification services at its clinics in Erskine, Renfrewshire, and in Minsterworth, Gloucestershire. It also offers extensive aftercare, recovery care planning, harm reduction interventions, support for families, and counselling to help people address the issues behind their substance use disorders. Paul Bowley, chief executive of Abbeycare, said: ‘We are […]
DDN October 2023
[…] but is now working with inspiring visual artists who hope to be regulars on the cultural calendar. For further inspiration, travel 20 years with Kaleidoscope (p20), trailblazing harm reduction in the community. Read the October issue as an online magazine or download the PDF here Claire Brown, editor Please send your letters and comment to claire@cjwellings.com DDN Magazine October […]
£5m funding for overdose-preventing tech projects
[…] Scottish Government’s chief scientific advisor for health Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak. ‘Utilising the expertise in Scotland and across the rest of the UK we can continue to deliver results in harm reduction, developing truly impactful innovations and driving prevention initiatives, having a hugely positive impact both across the UK and globally.’ Full list of projects here
On the right track
[…] target’, to keep up momentum and to ensure that years of work and £1bn of investment are built upon. Even beyond this, we’ll need strong and vigilant harm reduction measures – such as needle and syringe exchange programmes and regular testing of people from higher-risk backgrounds – to prevent new infections, alongside continued commitment to […]
Bringing it together
[…] House has a wide client base after working in Wiltshire for a number of years, so there’s a full journey ‘in terms of early intervention, support, prevention, harm reduction advice, right the way through to supported accommodation and recovery’, says Fry. ‘We’ve also given Connect our prescribing, supervised consumption and pharmacy elements as well – […]
OHID issues new guidance on dealing with synthetic opioid threats
[…] information system (LDIS) or professional information network (PIN), as well as testing. The information will then need to be shared with ambulance trusts as well as treatment, harm reduction and outreach services, and people who use drugs. ‘You should target messages at the audiences most likely to be at risk and the places you are […]