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Daily news - 30th September 2025 |
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UK news
Ketamine deaths increase twenty-fold since 2014 with mixing drugs on the rise
Deaths due to illicit ketamine use have increased twenty-fold since 2014 – but these deaths are increasingly occurring in complex polydrug settings, raising doubts over whether single-substance drug policies can reduce harms | KCL, UK Open access journal article: Deaths following illicit ketamine use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 1999–2024: An update report to inform the reclassification debate | J Psychopharmacology
Forward Leeds Marks Recovery Month with Four Inspiring Parkruns
Staff, volunteers, and people in recovery joined together throughout September to mark Recovery Month by taking part in four parkruns across Leeds | Forward Leeds, UK
Supporting learners towards sustainable employment
Forward’s employment team recently welcomed back past learners who continue to face challenges in securing sustainable employment. This follow-up programme was designed to provide targeted support after they completed our course focused on employability and green skills, explains Rahel Daniel, operations manager at The Forward Trust | DDN, UK
Recovery groups collect over 600kg of rubbish in first litter picking challenge
More than 600 kilograms of rubbish was collected in just one hour as recovery groups from across the north west came together for the first Recovery Litter Picking Challenge in Oldham | DDN, UK
State of the Sector 2025 – survey launch
It’s that time of year! We have begun work on our annual State of the Sector report which, to put it frankly, is needed more than ever. That’s because the criminal justice system is at a critical juncture, bursting at the seams in every direction and desperate for reform. The impact on the voluntary organisations working across the system cannot be overestimated. And that’s why we need to hear from you! | Clinks, UK
International news
US refuses to back UN declaration on noncommunicable diseases
General assembly backs new targets on cancer, diabetes and heart disease but Robert F Kennedy Jr objects | Guardian, UK
Cannabis extract found to be effective for lower back pain
A clinical trial has found that VER-01, a drug derived from cannabis, eases chronic lower back pain without serious side effects or signs of addiction | New Scientist, UK [See also Blogs section below]
Stephen Miller takes leading role in strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats
Exclusive: Miller’s homeland security council has played a key part in coordinating operations, sources say | Guardian, UK
Does Regulating Drug Precursors Affect Illicit Drug Markets? An Expanded and Updated Systematic Review
[Open access] ‘Precursors’ are constituents used to make a drug. Preventing their use in illegal manufacture offers a way to restrict usage and harm without cracking down on end users. This review shows that can work dramatically well, but also fail if poorly targeted | DAD, USA
Lasting neurological damage caused by repeated stress may explain addiction risk patterns
Extreme instances of stress can cause lasting changes to the brain itself. This could leave some people more vulnerable to addiction, a University of Mississippi study concludes | Medical Xpress, USA
Can fruit flies help scientists develop treatments for alcohol use disorder?
The tiny fruit fly could have a mighty impact on identifying optimal treatments for people with alcohol use disorder. A new study confirmed that using fruit flies may help scientists understand the human body's response to certain medications that influence alcohol use patterns | Medical Xpress, USA
Naturalistic Tobacco Retail Exposure and Smoking Outcomes in Adults Who Smoke Cigarettes Daily
In this cohort study of 273 individuals who smoked cigarettes daily, individuals reported significantly greater cravings and smoked more cigarettes on days when their smartphone-logged tobacco retail exposure was higher than usual | JAMA Network Open, USA
Medicaid unwinding linked to drop in opioid use disorder treatment
The end of pandemic-era enrollment enhancements for Medicaid was associated with a rise in the number of people ending medication treatment for opioid use disorder, as well as a decrease in the number of people beginning such treatment, according to a new RAND study | News Medical, USA
WHO’s COP11 Will Threaten Tobacco Harm Reduction Behind Closed Doors
In November, COP11—the World Health Organization’s 11th Conference of the Parties to its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) treaty—will be held in Geneva. National delegations will discuss tobacco control policies, with profound implications for global public health. Amid the WHO’s longstanding hostility to tobacco harm reduction (THR), advocates fear the best result might just be avoiding further policy damage | Filter Magazine, USA
Trump Highlights CBD Benefits For Seniors Amid Ongoing Cannabis Rescheduling Process
U.S. President Donald Trump has shared a video on the medical benefits of CBD for seniors in a pivotal moment for hemp legislation and the cannabis rescheduling process | Forbes, USA
Blogs, comment and opinion
Expert reaction to phase 3 trial of cannabis extract VER-01 for chronic low back pain
Results from a phase 3 randomised controlled trial looks at the use of cannabis extract VER-01 for chronic lower back pain. Here two experts give their reaction to the study | Science Media Centre, UK
Vapers Deserve Better: what BAT UK believe the government needs to do to stop half a million people returning to smoking
Back in 2019, the UK set a bold goal: to be smoke-free by 2030 – an ambition BAT UK supports. We believe vaping will be key to achieving this, but its future is at a crossroads. Sadly, not all vapes are made equally | Politics Home, UK
Taxes on alcohol and smoking can help countries facing severe aid cuts
The benefits of health taxes are clear, writes the World Health Organisation's Jeremy Farrar. But it requires political courage to invest in all of our futures | Independent voices, UK
How alcohol contributes to the epidemic of liver disease
Research has revealed a steep increase in liver disease in recent years. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence of health harms from alcohol, including drinking at levels that were previously considered “moderate.” These developments make a persuasive case for viewing alcohol consumption from a public health perspective | Conversation, Canada