To mark the publication of DrugScope’s report on young people’s drug treatment, Druglink gathered together a group of experts involved in the delivery of young people’s services to share their experiences and concerns, take stock of recent developments and look to the future. Adapt…
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Druglink article 2010 – Grape Britain By Ian Gilmore
Politicians are happy to talk tough on binge-drinking yobs and yobettes as election day approaches. But when it comes to addressing the pernicious problem of the middle classes over-dosing on wine, they bottle it. Grape Britain (PDF)
Druglink article 2010 – Not for turning? by Paul Hayes and Annette Dale-Perera
Tory MP Iain Duncan Smith’s description of methadone as “a fatalistic, short-term, and damaging approach to drug and alcohol addiction” signalled a growing mistrust of the pragmatic harm reduction measures introduced by Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. Paul Hayes and Annette Dale-Perera look back…
Druglink article 2010 – Talk to Frank (or Fridge Magnet) by Mike Power
As the internet takes a more central position in Britain’s drug landscape, through the sale of legal highs and proliferation in sites specialising in drugs, more people are turning to unofficial websites as a source of information on psychoactive substances. Talk to Frank…
Druglink news item 2010 – Splitting headache by Andy McNicoll
As the government reins in public spending, a new way of dividing up the pot to help England’s young drug users is under intense scrutiny. Andy McNicoll on a system that is already taking some flak from the field… Radical changes to the…
Druglink article 2010 – Making a hash of it by Mike Ashton
It was expected to decide whether a well structured, well resourced, evidence-based drug education programme could contribute to reducing youth substance use, yet the £6m Blueprint study ended up a scientific shambles. Analysis by Mike Ashton. The great store set in the Blueprint study’s…
Druglink article 2010 – Citizen medics by Rosie Mundt-Leach, Siobhan Jackson, Francis Keaney and Alun Morinan
More than one in 20 heroin overdose emergency kits handed out to drug users has been used to counteract an overdose, a study has found. Rosie Mundt-Leach, Siobhan Jackson, Francis Keaney and Alun Morinan report on a unique naloxone kit experiment in south London. Citizen medics…
Druglink article 2010 – Working in isolation by Esther Sample
The links between homelessness and drug abuse are damaging, self-perpetuating and well-documented. Yet homeless drug users often find their escape route hindered by a divided system. Working in isolation (PDF)
Druglink article 2010 – Fitness regime by Andrew McNicoll
Getting caught taking illegal drugs can be more career threatening for our sports stars than breaking a leg. Andrew McNicoll reports on a harsh testing system which is more obsessed with image than individuals. Fitness regime (PDF)
Druglink article 2010 – Early adopters by Lena Corner
Drug services have to be quick on their feet to keep up with a growing array of new substances being used by young people. Lena Corner visited one project which is managing to keep up to speed. The government’s ban on GBL, BZP…