DS Daily - 25th January 2010

International alert in Scottish anthrax probe

An alert has gone out across Europe after a German heroin addict died from an anthrax infection similar to the one that has killed seven Scots [The Herald, Scotland, UK]

22nd January - Anthrax Cases Spread to NHS Ayrshire and Arran

A further case of anthrax has been confirmed in a drug user in Scotland bringing the total number of confirmed cased in this outbreak to 15 [Health Protection Scotland, UK]

Users advised to use fresh filters as anthrax outbreak spreads

A warning to heroin users not to re-use filters has come from the agency tackling the deadly outbreak of anthrax among heroin users in Scotland [Scottish Drugs Forum, UK]

What does the ISA vetting and barring scheme mean for the drug and alcohol sector?

Frequently Asked Questions guide produced by DrugScope and The London Drug and Alcohol Network after we posed questions from members to Adrian Harding, Operational Head of the ISA [DrugScope and The London Drug and Alcohol Network, UK]

Heroin - Out of control

Secret video reveals shocking drugs epidemic in jail [News of the World, UK]

Scotland’s record prison population expected to rise by 20 per cent by 2018

The rise was revealed in the latest Scottish Prison Service prisoner survey — which also found that 45 per cent of prisoners were under the influence of drugs at the time of their offence [Times, UK]

Children, 12, taking legal high drug meow meow on school bus

Children as young as 12 are turning up at school under the influence of a "legal high" drug, teachers and health workers have warned [Telegraph, UK]

Cannabis – Britain’s secret farms

Although this programme wasn’t as bad as some of us had feared, it was in truth another biased example of the BBC carrying the government message [UKCIA]

Free from pain but not prosecution

Multiple sclerosis patient Sarah Martin believes cannabis is the best way to liberate herself from the daily pain she endures [BBC, UK]

Transport for London throws gauntlet at London drug action teams

Transport for London’s Drug & Alcohol Assessment & Treatment Service enjoyed a success rate exceeding all properly researched treatment outcomes, can pay up to 50% of costs, offers six months’ aftercare and monitors clients for five years – but now finds it so hard to work with London Drug Action Teams that employees must be fired instead of treated [Addiction Today, UK]

Inmate-alcohol crime link rises

Half of all inmates in Scotland's prisons said they were drunk at the time of their offence, a survey by the Scottish Prison Service has revealed [BBC, UK]

Supermarket alcohol promotions 'reduced'

Supermarkets are reducing their promotions on alcoholic drinks, according to The Grocer magazine [BBC, UK]

To beat Britain’s binge drinkers, the price has to be right

As the man who, by his own admission, was among the first to introduce controversial “all you can drink” promotions a decade ago, Stephen Thomas, boss of Britain’s biggest nightclub operator, is uniquely qualified to comment on the Government’s latest attempt to clamp down on binge drinking [Times, UK]

Raise drink prices and defy ‘immoral’ supermarkets, Tory strategist demands

David Cameron should impose significant increases in taxes on beer, wine and spirits if elected prime minister, according to the man charged with leading Conservative social policy [Times, UK]

Under-age, under the influence and in hospital

Around 300 Scots schoolkids are admitted to hospitals every year with an alcohol-related illness [News of The World, UK]

Strong support for action on drink driving

A new poll has shown that an overwhelming majority of Scots would now back even tougher action on drink driving - by reducing drink drive limits [Scottish Government, UK]

4th national alcohol conference: presentations available

In November last year, the Home Office, Department of Health and Department of Children, Schools and Families in partnership with colleagues in the North West hosted the 4th National Alcohol Conference, “Safe Sensible Social: Supporting Delivery” in Liverpool [Alcohol Policy UK]

Drinking at the last chance saloon

The BMJ supports calls for a minimum price on alcohol, as well as for a ban on alcohol advertising and sponsorship [BMJ, UK]

Smoking prevalence and smoking cessation services for pregnant women in Scotland

In Scotland, a small proportion of pregnant smokers are supported to stop. Poor outcomes are a product of current limitations to each step of service provision - identification, referral, engagement and treatment [Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy]

Addiction ignorance making things worse

It has always been amazing to me that so many people consider drug addiction to be a chosen attitude [Times Colonist, Canada]

Cannabis and Cancer

Canada considers the case [Addiction Inbox, USA]

Proposed Bill Would Shield People Reporting Overdoses

A drug policy researcher at Roosevelt University, Ms. Kane-Willis is pushing to resurrect legislation that would help shield callers from prosecution when they seek medical attention for themselves or someone else who has overdosed [New York Times, USA]

Do Employers Really Need to Give Drug Tests for Pot?

Many former police officers, city officials, even corrections officers now favor a new drug paradigm. Surely it is time to revisit a system that protects few and harms many [AlterNet, USA]

War on drugs: Time for Florida to legalize and tax marijuana

Florida lawmakers face a daunting task in the upcoming legislative session: They must close a budget gap that could reach $2.4 billion [SunSentinel, USA]

In Drug War, Tribe Feels Invaded by Both Sides

The tightening of border security to the east and west, which started in the 1990s and intensified after the Sept. 11 attacks, funneled more drug traffic through the Tohono O’odham reservation, federal officials said, and especially more marijuana [New York Times, USA]