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Daily news - 10th November 2025

UK news

Cutting through with Harry Shapiro - podcast on Spotify

Drug, alcohol and tobacco policy is too focused on fear and abstinence than harm. So, how can we cut through the noise with pragmatism? In this conversation with harm reduction stalwart we delve into that... and much more | Cutting Through with Natasha Plowman, UK [Link on Apple podcasts]

Rise in violence after prison legal high ban - study

The banning of "legal highs" has led to an increase in incidents of violence, self-harm and suicide in prisons, according to a study by the University of Sussex. Researchers say despite being made illegal in prisons in 2016, new psychoactive substances (NPS) remain available behind bars, including Spice, a synthetic drug linked to unpredictable behaviour | BBC, UK

An evaluation of a psychoeducational harm-reduction focused intervention targeting music festival attendees/at risk of negative outcomes surrounding recreational substance use

This pilot study assessed a video-based psychoeducational intervention designed to reduce substance-related harm among music festival attendees. Participants (N=273) completed pre-intervention surveys, with 144 engaging in the intervention. Post-intervention, 80% of participants correctly recalled key information from the video. Analysis showed a significant reduction in self-reported substance-related harm post-intervention, suggesting potential efficacy in reducing harm | Drug Science Policy and Law, UK

Generation K: The schoolkids hooked on ketamine

‘Instead of going behind the bike sheds for a cigarette, kids are going behind the bike sheds for a ketamine hit.’ As far as warnings go, this from a psychologist who supports young addicts, is a pretty powerful one | Metro, UK

Ketamine: Misuse

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate the Government has made of the prevalence of ketamine addiction among under 25s; what steps the Government is taking to address ketamine addiction among young people; and what tailored addiction support the Government is providing for young people | They work for you, UK

Electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation

There is high‐certainty evidence that nicotine Electronic cigarettes (EC) increase quit rates compared to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and moderate‐certainty evidence that they probably increase quit rates compared to EC without nicotine. Evidence comparing nicotine EC with behavioural support or no support also suggests benefit, but is less certain due to risk of bias inherent in the study designs | Cochrane Library, UK

Is vaping less harmful than smoking, and does it help people quit?

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about vaping and its effects | Our World in Data, UK

SARG researchers present on economic modelling and wastewater surveillance at European Public Health Conference

Two researchers from the Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG), Dr Charlotte Head and Dr Esther Chanakira, will showcase innovative local-level tools for policy design, including economic modelling and wastewater surveillance, at the European Public Health (EPH) Conference in Helsinki from 11–14 November 2025 | SARG, UK

Drug tests positive for nearly half of drivers

People as young as 16 are testing positive for drug-driving, police have said. Figures from Devon and Cornwall Police showed that, out of 1,245 drivers who were tested between 1 January and 30 June 2025, nearly half (45%) had illegal substances in their system | BBC, UK

MPs urge Reeves to raise gambling taxes despite ‘scaremongering’ from firms

Treasury select committee calls for higher duties on most addictive forms, such as high-street slots and online games | Guardian, UK

Man charged for exploiting youths over £50,000 of alcohol thefts

Alcohol worth £50,000 was shoplifted by young people exploited by criminals, Police Scotland's retail crime taskforce says. The drink was then sold on to fund organised criminal activity | BBC, UK

Drug boss 'driven by greed' jailed with associates

The "luxury" life of a drug gang boss has come to an end after police dismantled an organised crime group in Bristol | BBC, UK

International news

Miss Chile apologises after pretending to snort cocaine at beauty pageant

A model who pretended to sniff cocaine while taking part in the Miss Universe beauty pageant has apologised – and claimed her make up artist encouraged her to do it | Metro, UK

‘I was the only out queer guy in rock’: Faith No More’s Roddy Bottum

The keyboard player on his heroin overdose, how Kurt Cobain wanted to be gay and why his memoir will ruin his Christian relatives’ Thanksgiving dinner | Guardian, UK

LSD, Nazis, and the CIA – The Secret History of Psychedelics with Norman Ohler

In Drugreporter’s new interview, German author Norman Ohler explores how psychedelics became entangled with war, power, and propaganda | Drug Reporter, Hungary

Community Pharmacy-Based Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment: Findings From a Canadian Pilot Program

Treatment of opioid dependence using prescribed injectable opioids does not have to be confined to a hospital clinic. In Vancouver in Canada, a trial of pharmacy-based treatment “highlights its potential to reduce illicit opioid use, improve health and stability, and offer a more accessible alternative to clinic-based models” | DAR, USA

Blogs, comment and opinion

Drug and alcohol testing in UK workplaces must be ‘risk-based and transparent’

Zoe Betts tells HRNews about implementing an effective drug and alcohol policy in the workplace | Pinsent Masons, UK

If you’re feeling anxious, take a moment to pause before pouring that glass of wine

Anxiety can disrupt relationships, affect sleep and lead to harmful coping behaviours. Early awareness is crucial | Guardian opinion, UK

Lack of transparency of EU's new wine proposals will cause a hangover

The European Union proudly calls itself the world’s most ambitious project for democracy. Yet, when it comes to the new “EU Wine Package”, these democratic ideals seem to have been quietly set aside. | EU Observer, UK

Pennsylvania counties face tough choices on spending $2B opioid settlement funds

In communities across Pennsylvania, local officials are deciding how to spend over US$2 billion dollars from the state’s opioid settlement agreements. For many, the task is proving promising yet challenging – and raises questions about how to best navigate complex local needs | Conversation, USA

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