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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 […]
DDN Conference 2023 session one: Rising to the challenge
[…] cake makers extraordinaire! Also a charity working to support people affected by homelessness, drug and alcohol problems and physical and mental health needs: www.emergingfutures.org.uk neo360 provide comprehensive harm reduction monitoring and reporting solutions: neo360.co The Hepatitis C Trust is a charity dedicated to eliminating hepatitis C in the UK by 2030. Find information and support […]
Five steps to lower your risk of hepatitis and protect your health
[…] and not shared with others. You can use our free needle exchange services to ensure you have safe and sterile equipment. We even provide injecting advice and harm reduction techniques. Try to be more aware of how much alcohol you’re drinking and stay within the recommended 14 units of alcohol per week. Alcohol abuse can […]
Drinks retailers lobbying against steep rise in MUP level
[…] years, a time of inflation,’ said president of the Federation of Independent Retailers, Hussan Lal. ‘However over 80p is over the top. We welcome any reduction in harmful levels of drinking. It undoubtedly blights many lives. However we feel that, as Public Health Scotland has suggested, this scheme can only be part of the […]
Conference Prog 2023v2
[…] . 4 0 – 1.00pm Session two , Conference Hall PARTNERSHIP WORKING Peer power – a story of co - production Cranstoun ’s team share their dynamic harm reduction initiatives . Alistair Bryant describes the PACK s peer team’s naloxone distribution and Luke O’Neil explains how they used innovative tech to create BuddyU p . […]
Letters
[…] already supposedly engaged with structured treatment journeys were still attending for needles, and with little motivation to change. I can see it may help with the current harm reduction/maintenance philosophy, but for those of us working with an abstinence based model of treatment, this policy is of very little help, as experienced by the detrimental […]
Seamless Systems
[…] to commence effective release planning and coordination of continuity of care is crucial, and there has been an increase in the numbers of naloxone kits, training and harm reduction advice disseminated to patients prior to release. Patient feedback Patient feedback has been paramount to determining the next steps on this journey – our teams tried […]
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 […]