The recovery agenda shifts the focus of treatment to a positive vision of wellbeing and freedom from dependence. But is it realistic for older people to expect a fulfilling life beyond drugs, or is it just a box ticking exercise? Rebecca Lees hears…
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Druglink article 2014 – No silver lining by Gemma Lousley
Problematic drug and alcohol use among older people is on the rise and health services must adapt. Following a roundtable discussion on the issue last year, DrugScope is set to publish a major briefing on the subject. No silver lining (PDF)
Druglink article 2014 – Recovery from drug and alcohol dependence: what does the evidence tell us? by Harry Shapiro
This is the second report of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) Recovery Committee. What follows is a ‘plain English’ summary of the report which readers are encouraged to share with/send to key partners such as Commissioners, Directors of Public…
Druglink article 2014 – A hidden threat by Mike Power
Much of the media hype around the rise in legal high deaths mask trends that are far more newsworthy and alarming, says Mike Power. A hidden threat (PDF)
Druglink factsheet 2014 – GBL
GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) is a ‘pro-drug’ of GHB, which means that it converts to GHB within the body. GBL occurs naturally in certain food products, is found in small quantities in the human body and is available commercially as an industrial solvent and as an ingredient in cleaners,…
Druglink Findings 2014 – Should dependent drinkers always try for abstinence? by Mike Ashton
Mike Ashton of Drug and Alcohol Findings on the milestones in the bitterest controversies ever seen in addiction treatment research. Should dependent drinkers always try for abstinence? (PDF)
Druglink article 2014 – Chinese takeaway by Peter Shadbolt
A massive police raid on a meth-making village in China exposed the links between the country’s vast chemical industry and Mexican drug gangs. Chinese takeaway (PDF)
Druglink article 2014- The X Factor by Mike Powers
A controversial service in Wales that analyses people’s drugs has been dismissed by some as a naive mistake. But Mike Powers argues that it could be a vital new weapon in harm reduction’s arsenal. ‘Calling all coke dealers: Welsh government will test your…
Druglink interview 2014 – Tim Sampey by Harry Shapiro
Earlier this year, Build on Belief held a well-attended launch event at the House of Lords. Co-founder member and Chief Operating Officer Tim Sampey, recalls that it all started as a racket – badminton that is. Around late 2004, Terry Swinton and I went to a…
Druglink article 2014 – At your service by Sara McGrail
There are few subjects more fraught in our sector right now than the issue of how drug and alcohol services are commissioned. In the first of a two part article on commissioning in England, Sara McGrail reveals how smaller agencies are being forced out…