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Weekly news - 21st February 2025 |
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In date order, Monday to Friday
Young adults more likely to switch from smoking to vaping when aware of reduced harm, but misinformation deters change
Young adults are more likely to give up smoking and switch to vaping if they understand the reduced harm of vaping, according to a new study involving University of Bristol researchers. However, many inaccurately believe that vaping is as bad for you or worse than smoking | University of Bristol, UK
High BMI is a specific risk factor for drug-related mortality in patients receiving methadone: A case control study
[Open access] Long-term treatment of opioid dependence with the opioid agonist therapy (OAT) methadone can lead to significant weight gain. This study investigated whether OAT patients with a body mass index (BMI) deemed overweight (≥25) are at increased risk of mortality | Addiction, UK
Alcohol health warning labels: a public health perspective for Europe (PDF)
WHO endorses alcohol labelling as a policy option to reduce alcohol-related harm. This can involve providing information on packaging about alcohol content, ingredients, nutritional information and health warnings. This report situates health warning labels within the broader context of alcohol policy, highlighting their roles in raising risk awareness, increasing support for other alcohol policies, and decreasing product appeal | WHO, Denmark
A heroin overdose laboratory model: How do escalating doses of diamorphine alter respiratory function in a diamorphine-treated population?
[Open access] Globally, more than 100 000 people die annually from opioid overdose. Although strongly implicated in heroin overdose deaths, acute opioid-induced respiratory depression is poorly understood, and few laboratory studies have been completed in human subjects. Using a human laboratory overdose model, our research question was: what is the strength of the association between increasing dose of diamorphine and degree of respiratory depression in people prescribed injectable diamorphine for heroin use disorder? | Addiction, UK
Portman Group audit to increase scrutiny of UK alcohol marketing practices
UK alcohol industry regulator the Portman Group has announced it is commissioning a large-scale audit to assess responsible marketing practices across the alcoholic drinks market. The new audit will be implemented on a bi-annual basis, and the results for the first audit are expected in autumn 2025 | Lexology, UK
Evaluation of the National Drug Deaths Mission: Alcohol and Drug Partnership coordinator survey 2024
This publication presents findings from an anonymous online survey of Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) coordinators, undertaken as part of the PHS evaluation of the National Drug Deaths Mission. The survey covered four main topics:1) ADP interaction with the national level, 2) local partnership dynamics, 3) ADP coordinator wellbeing and 4) the perceived impact of the National Mission to date. The key objective was to understand the suitability of current governance and accountability arrangements for supporting implementation of the National Mission | Public Health Scotland, UK
Influencers to urge young people to not vape as part of UK government campaign
Big Manny and Bodalia will join forces in initiative after numbers of under-18s trying or using vapes soar | Guardian, UK
Psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health: Policy considerations
Research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs took place in the 1950s and 1960s. Almost all research stopped in the 1970s, mostly due to tightening drugs legislation. Since the 2000s there has been a resurgence of interest in investigating how psychedelic drugs can treat mental health conditions using modern scientific methods. This briefing focuses on the risks and benefits of supervised therapy using psychedelic drugs in controlled clinical settings | UK Parliament, UK
New analysis shows spending to reduce smoking is a good deal for the Chancellor
A new analysis shows that an additional £97 million investment in smoking cessation interventions, in addition to ~£280 million currently spent by government, can further accelerate reductions in smoking. This is estimated to be worth £894 million in 2030 in reduced burden on public finances – delivering a ninefold return on investment | ASH, UK
Study sheds light on the genetics of stopping smoking
The effectiveness of a common drug to quit smoking could be down to people’s genes, according to a study from the University of Leicester. Varenicline is widely recognised as the most effective medication for helping people stop smoking, but unfortunately it does not work for everyone | University of Leicester, UK
10-year study to shed light on youth vaping
Landmark study to investigate long-term health effects of vaping on young people's health and wellbeing, alongside wider influences on adolescent health | Department of Health and Social Care, Ashley Dalton MP and The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, UK
Need to tackle common misperceptions that vaping is as bad, or worse, than smoking, study finds
Young adults are more likely to give up smoking and switch to vaping if they understand the reduced harm of vaping, according to a new study. However, many inaccurately believe that vaping is as bad for you or worse than smoking | BSMS, UK
New report calls for people to get talking about health issues
‘What are you talking about?’ argues that everyday conversations have the potential to influence healthy behaviours like exercise, drinking less, and quitting smoking, as well as signposting to further support on issues like mental health and the menopause | RSPH, UK
New Alcohol and Drug Recovery Strategy launched
The way that recovery sessions at HMP Low Moss have “transformed” lives has been captured in a piece on STV News. Cameras came into the establishment to see a peer mentor group in action as part of the launch of the new Alcohol and Drug Recovery Strategy. The strategy looks to build on good work done across the prison estate, including at HMP Low Moss. The STV online article can be found here | Scottish Prisons Service, UK