DS Daily - 13th January 2010 |
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Les Iversen takes over as head of cannabis row panel
Pharmacology specialist Les Iversen will replace David Nutt, who was sacked by the home secretary last October for "lobbying" against government policy [BBC, UK]
Minister praises drugs outreach programme helping the fight against burglary
A drugs outreach programme tackling burglary and robbery by helping rehabilitate addicts who often steal to fund their habit has been praised by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell [Home Office, UK]
Mephedrone – an update on current knowledge
This briefing presents information on the substance Mephedrone (also known as: 4-MMC, ‘Meow’, ‘M-Cat’) and other related drugs. This substance has received recent media attention concerning its legality and (largely unconfirmed) speculations around its contribution to the deaths of several young people [Centre for Public Health, UK]
No such thing as 'safe' cocaine, experts warn
The image of cocaine as a "safe party drug" is a myth that must be dispelled, say UK experts, as a study shows the drug is linked to 3% of sudden deaths [BBC, UK]
The Societal Cost of Alcohol Misuse in Scotland for 2007
The study uses a cost of illness approach to derive estimates of the cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland for 2007 [Scottish Government, UK]
The Societal Cost of Alcohol Misuse in Scotland for 2007 - Research Findings
Summary of findings from a study that uses a cost of illness approach to derive estimates of the cost of alcohol misuse in Scotland for 2007 [Scottish Government, UK]
For debate:
The alcohol industry and public interest science [Addcition]
Tories call to revamp alcohol labelling
The term "units of alcohol" should be scrapped in favour of centilitres of pure alcohol, the Tories have said [BBC, UK]
'Legal high’ drugs causing psychiatric illness epidemic, says A&E doctor
A leading Emergency Department consultant has warned legal drugs, which are replacing cocaine and amphetamines and sold in alternative lifestyle shops, are causing an "epidemic of psychiatric illness" [Irish Examiner]
Compassion in New Jersey
The New Jersey Legislature on Monday legalized medically prescribed marijuana, and Gov. Jon Corzine has promised to sign the bill before leaving office next week [New York Times, USA]
Screening and Brief Interventions (SBI) for Unhealthy Alcohol Use
A Step-by-Step Implementation Guide for Trauma Centers [CDC, USA]
SC bill requires drug tests for jobless benefits
As South Carolina's unemployment numbers continue to rise, a new legislative proposal could cut off jobless benefits for people shown to be users of illegal drugs [The State, USA]
Mexico: the Last Great War of Prohibition?
As we enter the second decade of the 21st Century, the death toll in Mexico’s drug wars has reached new highs, or lows, with 69 people dying in a 24 hour period [Release, UK]
Consultation: Australia's National Drug Strategy beyond 2009
The closing date for submissions is Wednesday 24 February 2010 [Australian Government]
Drugs and media survey
A survey on youth attitudes to media reporting on illicit drugs. The survey takes only 10-15 minutes and is open to anyone aged 16-24 who lives in Australia. You do not need to have tried drugs to participate [The Drug Policy Modelling Program, UNSW, Australia]
Drug and alcohol lecture series
This lecture series covers core drug and alcohol topics and has been developed by leading experts. The series is directed towards GPs, students, nurses, and other healthcare workers [University of Sydney, Australia]
ALAC Looks to Decision on Global Alcohol Strategy
The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is looking forward to the World Health Assembly’s (WHA) decision on a draft global alcohol strategy when it meets next week [Scoop, New Zealand]