DS Weekly - 17th July 2009 |
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New initiative to boost skills aims to improve the delivery of drug treatment
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse is launching a new partnership initiative to work with practitioners and providers of drug treatment to improve the delivery of drug treatment [NTA, UK]
David Blakey report: update on implementation progress
Justice Minister Maria Eagle has made a statement on the progress made following the Blakey report, which reviewed the effectiveness of measures that disrupt the supply of drugs into prisons [Home Office, UK]
Drug trafficking: time to abolish the death penalty
This editorial will contend that the execution of people convicted of drug trafficking and other drug-related offences is a penalty that should be abolished, as it is both ineffective as a policy measure and abhorrent in terms of human rights violation [Addiction Journal]
Release response to new guidelines on drug offences
Release has submitted its response to the Sentencing Advisory Panel’s consultation on sentencing for drug offences. The response elaborates on limiting the use of custodial sentences for drug offenders, attempting to take some of the panels recommendations further towards a more comprehensive way of rehabilitating drug users. [Release, UK]
Crime in England and Wales 2008/09 (PDF)
Volume 1 includes section on the ‘influence of alcohol and drugs’ on recorded crime.
Volume 1 - Findings from the British Crime Survey and police recorded crime (PDF)
Volume 2 - Explanatory notes and classifications (PDF)
Also available: accompanying tables and reports [Home Office, UK]
Extending our reach: A comprehensive approach to tackling serious organised crime
This strategy sets out the reforms we will make to ensure that the government, law enforcement agencies, businesses and the public have the necessary tools to reduce the harm caused by organised crime [Home Office, UK]
Substance use 2: nursing assessment, management and types of intervention
Exploring how nurses can assess patients with suspected substance use problems, and how to approach interventions and treatment options with patients [RCN, UK]
Methamphetamine: a European Union perspective in the global context
This study focuses on the supply and use of methamphetamine in Europe, set in a global context [EMCDDA]
Naltrexone implants after in-patient treatment for opioid dependence: randomised controlled trial
In the first randomised trial, implants which block opiate-type drugs for months helped heroin addicts in Norway avoid relapse after detoxification. If these or allied products gain a UK licence, they could help pave the way to abstinence for the minority of suitable addicts. [Drug and Alcohol Findings, UK]
Benzylpiperazine (BZP) abuse amongst attendees of the Drug Treatment Centre Board
A study was commenced at the Drug Treatment Centre Board’s Drug Analysis Laboratory in order to determine the level of usage of BZP amongst attendees of the Drug Treatment Centre Board (DTCB). [Irish Medical Journal, Ireland]
July edition of the Connections newsletter available to download
The ‘Connections’ project, launched in Autumn 2007 focuses on the potential for partnerships within criminal justice systems of the EU Member States to develop joined-up responses to drugs and related-infections, particularly HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. [Connections Project, UK]
Signs for improvement – commissioning interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm
This guidance is designed to direct commissioners in areas where tackling alcohol harm is an identified priority, to the resources and guidance, which will assist them in commissioning interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm in their local community. [Department of Health, UK]
Limiting the exposure of young people to alcohol advertising: third annual report 2008
As this Third Annual Report of the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body shows, there was overall compliance in 2008 by television, radio, cinema and outdoor advertisers with the obligations set down in the Codes. [Department of Health and Children, Ireland]
Alcohol intoxication and mental health among adolescents
The aims of this study were to describe alcohol use among Norwegian teenagers and investigate the associations between mental health problems and alcohol intoxications with focus on age and gender. [Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health]
Teenage mental health: what helps and what hurts? (PDF)
Includes discussion on one workshop dedicated to the role played by drink and drugs in negatively impacting on mental health. [Office of the Minister for Children and Youth affairs, Ireland]
Proceedings from conference on young people’s drinking (PDF)
The international conference, Social Norms Forum: Power of Positive Perceptions was held on 31 March, 2009 with the purpose of discussing social norms techniques to reduce risky drinking among youth. [Social Norms Forum, EU]
New manual provides guidance on addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviours in substance abuse treatment
A new manual which offers substance abuse counsellors a four-step process for addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviours in substance abuse treatment, is now available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. [SAMHSA, USA]
Implementing Change in substance abuse treatment programs
Written for substance abuse treatment administrators, managers, and supervisors, TAP 31 suggests practical and efficient approaches for introducing and implementing evidence-based practices in substance abuse treatment programs. [SAMSHA, USA]
Child maltreatment as a risk factor for opioid dependence
Examines the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors for child maltreatment among opioid-dependent persons compared to a community sample of similar social disadvantage, using a case-control design. [Child Abuse and Neglect, international journal]
Characteristics of inmates witnessing overdose events in prison: implications for prevention in the correctional setting
Findings signal an urgent public health challenge that requires prompt interventions to reduce this drug related harm within the correctional system, including adequate access to medication with opiate agonists [Harm Reduction Journal]
Strategy and work programme 2010-2012
This work programme ensures that the EMCDDA remains a key resource for Europe — providing high-quality information to underpin effective drug policies and serving as a catalyst for supporting and developing national information systems [EMCDDA]
Financing the response to AIDS
Financing the response to AIDS in low- and middle- income countries: International assistance from the G8, European Commission and other donor Governments in 2008 [UNAIDS]
Of Substance - July edition
Of Substance covers the latest Australian news and research on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. 2.l5MB PDF [Of Substance, Australia]
Alcohol and homicide in Australia
The current study sought to build on the limited Australian research on alcohol-related homicide by examining solved homicides recorded in the National Homicide Monitoring Program over a six year period [Australian Institute of Criminology]