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Weekly news - 5th May 2023 |
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In date order, Monday to Friday
Rapid evidence review on interventions to reduce drug-related harm during transitions of care
This review describes the types of interventions used to reduce risk of drug harms, including death, among adults during transition of care and between services | Public Health Scotland, UK
Impact on alcohol selection and online purchasing of changing the proportion of available non-alcoholic versus alcoholic drinks: A randomised controlled trial
Increasing the availability of non-alcoholic options is a promising population-level intervention to reduce alcohol consumption, currently unassessed in naturalistic settings. This study in an online retail context aimed to estimate the impact of increasing the proportion of non-alcoholic (relative to alcoholic) drinks, on selection and purchasing of alcohol | PLOS Medicine, UK
What are nicotine pouches, and how are they made?
Nicotine pouches are thumbnail-sized sachets containing vegetable fibres infused with nicotine and a range of flavours. Placed in the mouth between the lip and gum, nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucous membrane. This Briefing Paper provides an introduction to the nicotine pouch category and assesses the potential for these products to contribute to tobacco harm reduction | NSP, UK
Snus: Several players seeking help for addiction, says Professional Footballers Association
A growing number of players are using snus, with "several" receiving help for addiction, says the Professional Footballers Association | BBC, UK
DDN April 2023
We talk about ‘the workforce’ and there are new strategies on the way – so it’s been interesting to look at the first census of its kind in England. It gives a snapshot of who we are – and shows that lived experience has become an important part of the workforce. The peer team distributing naloxone pouches (page 16) demonstrate the passion and connectivity that’s so important – and those with lived experience are involved in the project on an equal footing and paid properly | DDN, UK
Alcohol and Intimate Partner Relationships: Research Study (PDF)
The report looks at the experiences and needs of adults who are affected by the drinking of an intimate partner. It focuses on the tensions, harms and negative effects this drinking can have on a relationship, as well as the support available and the barriers to engaging with, and accessing, these services. It builds on established research into alcohol and intimate partner violence, in order to expand on the issues surrounding relationships and alcohol | Adfam, UK
Cocaine damage routinely misdiagnosed as non-threatening nasal disease, finds study
A new paper in Rheumatology Advances in Practice indicates that granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a nasal disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels and commonly presents with symptoms in sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys, may be commonly misdiagnosed. Researchers believe that many patients identified with the sinus and nasal-limited form of the disease may actually be suffering from nasal damage due to cocaine usage | Medical Xpress, UK
Why does the UK government want to ban laughing gas? - podcast
The UK government recently announced plans to make the possession of laughing gas for recreational use a criminal offence. Nitrous oxide, also known as “nos”, is hugely popular among young people, and doctors have raised concerns about a rise in cases of nerve damage linked to the use of the drug. Ian Sample speaks to science correspondent Nicola Davis about the reasons behind the ban, the risks associated with using nitrous oxide and what experts have made of the government’s decision | Guardian, UK
EDP to fully merge into parent charity Humankind
EDP has proudly supported people in the South West since 1984, and as a subsidiary of Humankind since April 2020. The two charities have worked closely together, with EDP drawing on Humankind’s national scale and expertise. As closely aligned charities, EDP will now take the next step in integration by merging fully into its parent charity on 1 July of this year | DDN, UK
New research-backed safer injecting resources available for free
We are delighted to announce the release of a new set of safer injecting materials we were part of creating. The materials were co-produced by people who inject drugs, service providers, including ourselves and key stakeholders, including researchers from the University of Bristol, Exchange Supplies and Linnell Communications | BDP, UK
Vaping: Anti-smoking project under way at Cornwall school
A pilot scheme has been launched at a school in Cornwall which aims to reduce the number of pupils who smoke or vape | BBC, UK
Annual report on the Home Office forensic early warning system (FEWS), 2021 to 2022
Updatd 4th April 2023. The aim of the Forensic Early Warning System (FEWS) is to examine trends in the seizures of NPS in the UK including prisons and border locations and to identify if any new substances emerge in the recreational drug market. This activity is carried out for the Home Office Drugs Misuse and Firearms Unit (DMFU) | Home Office, UK
Local Tobacco Control Profiles: April 2023 update
An overview of the extent of tobacco use, tobacco-related harm and the measures being taken to reduce this harm at a local level in England | OHID, UK
The death penalty for drug offences: global overview 2022
Harm Reduction International has monitored the use of the death penalty for drug offences worldwide since our first ground-breaking publication on this issue in 2007. This report, our twelfth on the subject, continues our work of providing regular updates on legislative, policy and practical developments related to the use of capital punishment for drug offences, a practice which is a clear violation of international standards | HRI, UK
Launch of BuddyUp Pilot
A new app which will provide support to people using drugs alone will begin its pilot in Worcestershire, Sutton and Sandwell on Tuesday 11th April 2023. ‘BuddyUp’ will connect someone using drugs to a Cranstoun member of staff who will be trained in responding to overdoses and will be able to send emergency support should the person become unresponsive | Cranstoun, UK
Sainsbury’s launches disposable vapes review which could see them put behind counters like cigarettes
Supermarket giant looking at change in policy to put single-use vapes out of reach - but faces calls to go further and ban them completely | Daily Record, UK