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Weekly news - 24th January 2025

In date order, Monday to Friday

Problem drinkers turn from cider to vodka

A change in alcohol pricing in Wales has pushed problem drinkers away from cheap cider and towards strong spirits, a study suggests | BBC, UK

Scientists show for the first time that risk of psychotic disorder appears to decline with time following cannabis use cessation

New research reports that cannabis users' risk of developing psychotic disorders appears to decrease with time once they stop using the drug | KCL, UK

[Open access] Recent media reporting around the use of synthetic drugs such as xylazine makes frequent use of non-human metaphors, including reference to the effects of ‘zombie drugs’. We investigated whether presentation of news stories which included such dehumanising frames were associated with i) increased stigmatising attitudes towards people who use drugs; and ii) lower support for relevant harm reduction programmes | IJDP, UK

Research into alcohol use among vets awarded grant

Oxford Brookes University's Dr Jennifer Seddon said it would help them understand how to support vets who wish to reduce alcohol consumption | BBC, UK

Psychedelic drug DMT to be trialled on UK volunteers to tackle alcohol misuse

Exclusive: Scientists at UCL hope one-off dose of powerful hallucinogenic could help drinkers reduce intake | Guardian, UK

Single-use vapes ban

Guidance for businesses preparing for the ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes from 1 June 2025 | DEFRA, UK

PCCs back call for lowering of legal blood alcohol limit for drivers

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners' Addictions and Substance Misuse leads and their Roads Policing counterparts are jointly backing the British Medical Association's call for a reduction in the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers | Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, UK

People’s Panel on reducing drug harm and deaths in Scotland (PDF)

After two weekends of focused, determined, and dedicated work, the People's panel agreed a collective statement and 19 recommendations to answer the set panel question - ‘What does Scotland need to do differently to reduce drug related harms?’ | Scottish Parliament, UK

First drug consumption room user figures revealed

The UK's first drug consumption clinic has been used more than 130 times since it opened last week | BBC, UK

Scientists show for the first time that risk of psychotic disorder appears to decline with time following cannabis use cessation

New research reports that cannabis users' risk of developing psychotic disorders appears to decrease with time once they stop using the drug | KCL, UK

The political is personal: Exploring drinking cultures in Westminster and making the case for more alcohol support

We publish the findings of research with MPs, exploring attitudes to alcohol in Westminster and the impact on working culture across the Parliamentary estate | Alcohol Change UK, UK

AHA position on Alcohol-Free and Low-Alcohol Drinks

Alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks are becoming increasingly popular. From a low base in the UK, the growth has been rapid and alcohol companies are now increasingly recognising their commercial potential. This document sets out the full AHA policy position on alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks. It covers 8 key areas where we are calling for changes and/or new national policies | AHA, UK

One in 20 adults in England both smoke and vape

Just over one in 20 adults in England both smoke and vape, according to a new study by UCL researchers | UCL, UK

The shape of stigma: reflections for the year ahead

As we step into a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. It’s peak season for reflective blogs, annual reports and the like. But instead of cataloguing everything we’ve done at the Anti-Stigma Network, we want to focus on one key realisation from the past year, which is our thoughts about the shape and scale of stigma and the opportunity we have to address it | DDN, UK

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