2014
Overdose Prevention, State by State (December 2014)
Updated Infographic (ONDCP)
Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (December 2014)
Fourth Annual Report (NHS Health Scotland)
Young people’s hospital alcohol pathways (December 2014)
Support pack for A&E departments (Public Health England)
Drug consumption rooms in Europe: Organisational overview (December 2014)
This report provides an overview of the organisation and working methods of drug consumption rooms in Europe (IDPC)
Comprehensive Harm Reduction Reverses the Trend in New HIV Infections (December 2014)
This summary records the birth and first 20 years of authorized syringe exchange programs (SEPs) in New York State (New York State Department of Health Aids Institute)
HRB drug and alcohol evidence review (December 2014)
The role of social and human capital in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction
Gaps in HIV prevention expose Europe to risk of outbreaks (December 2014)
Uneven investment in HIV prevention makes Europe vulnerable (EMCDDA)
Risk assessment of 4-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-amine (4,4′-dimethylaminorex, 4,4′-DMAR) (November 2014)
Concerns over the availability and use of this stimulant drug in the European Union led to an assessment of the health and social risks posed by the substance, and, consequently, its control across the EU Member States (EMCDDA)
Risk Assessment Report of a new psychoactive substance: 1-cyclohexyl-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine (MT-45) (November 2014)
Concerns over the availability and use of this stimulant drug in the European Union led to an assessment of the health and social risks posed by the substance, and, consequently, its control across the EU Member States (EMCDDA)
Practical steps to eliminating hepatitis C: a consensus for London (November 2014)
The aim of this document is to reinforce the need for urgent leadership from the Department of Health, PHE and NHS England and concerted action from Local Authorities, Health and Wellbeing Boards, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and service providers to improve hepatitis C testing and treatment services in London for people with a history of using drugs – the group most affected by chronic hepatitis C – in order to find and treat significantly more people affected by the disease (London Joint Working Group on Substance Use and Hepatitis C)
Drugnet Europe 88 (November 2014)
Includes: Financing drug policy in Europe in the wake of the economic recession | Preventing opioid deaths — legal issues around the provision of naloxone (EMCDDA)
New psychoactive substances (November 2014)
A toolkit for substance misuse commissioners (Public Health England)
Pregnancy and opioid use: strategies for treatment (November 2014)
This paper reviews methadone, buprenorphine and slow-release oral morphine, used in a range of combinations with cognitive behavioural approaches and contingency management in order to identify the strengths of each medicine and method (EMCDDA)
Community management of opioid overdose (November 2014)
These guidelines recommend that people who are likely to witness an opioid overdose, including people who use opioids, and their family and friends should be given access to naloxone and training in its use so that they can respond to opioid overdose in an emergency if a medical response is not available (World Health Organization)
Time limiting opioid substitution therapy (November 2014)
Report to Lynne Featherstone in response to Norman Baker’s request for advice on whether opioid substitution therapy should be time limited (Government UK)
Shooting Up: infections among people who inject drugs in the UK (November 2014)
This report describes the extent of infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the United Kingdom (Public Health England)
Community management of opioid overdose (November 2014)
These guidelines aim to reduce the number of deaths from opioid overdose by providing evidence-based recommendations on the availability of naloxone for people likely to witness an opioid overdose along with advice on the resuscitation and post-resuscitation care of opioid overdose in the community (WHO)
Naloxone Background (November 2014)
The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Law Enforcement Naloxone Toolkit is a clearinghouse of resources to support law enforcement agencies in establishing a naloxone program (BJA National Training and Technical Assistance Center)
Maintenance Opioid Agonist Therapy for Injection-Drug Users Associated with Lower Incidence of Hepatitis C (October 2014)
In a group of young users of injection drugs, recent maintenance opioid agonist therapy with methadone or buprenorphine for opioid use disorders, such as heroin addiction, was associated with a lower incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and may be an effective strategy to reduce injection-drug use and the resulting spread of HCV, according to a study published online by (JAMA Internal Medicine)
A very brief intervention for cannabis users in an emergency department setting (October 2014)
These preliminary results provide early support for the feasibility, acceptability, and possible efficacy of a VBI for cannabis users delivered in the ED setting (NCPIC)
Illicit drug markets in Ireland (October 2014)
Through in-depth research with people involved in the illicit drug market in Ireland, as drug users or sellers, as professionals responding to it or as residents affected by it, this research fills a significant knowledge gap in this important area of Irish drug policy (NACDA)
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and WalesAnnual Report 2013–14 (October 2014)
Includes Substance misuse services
Children living with parental alcohol abuse are being missed by system, report finds (October 2014)
A children’s commissioner report has found social services support for alcohol misuse is failing to look beyond the impact on the individual
Alcohol and the Developing Adolescent Brain (October 2014)
Evidence Review (Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems)
Overdose Prevention Services Upon Release from Prison: Best Practices from Scotland, Denmark, Italy and Spain (October 2014)
it is essential to close the gap between the prisons and community to ensure an equivalence of evidence-based treatment and care which includes comprehensive cover of overdose prevention and management programmes, as well as opiate substitution treatment (Eurasian Harm Reduction Network)
Single homelessness under the spotlight (October 2014)
16,402 people entering drug treatment with a housing problem or nowhere to live (Official blog of Public Health England)
NICE recommends nalmefene to help people reduce their dependence on alcohol (October 2014)
A drug that can help people who are dependent on alcohol to cut down on the amount they drink, has been recommended in final draft guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
European scientists to assess risks of new stimulant drug 4,4′-DMAR (September 2014)
The stimulant drug 4,4′-DMAR, is the fifth new drug to be risk assessed this year. To date, the substance has been linked to 31 deaths in the EU (EMCDDA)
Opioid substitution therapy protects against hepatitis C virus acquisition in people who inject drugs (September 2014)
An estimate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence and identification of associated risk and protective factors among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Sydney, New South Wales (MJA)
Prisons and health (September 2014)
Includes chapters on alcohol, cigarette and other drug use (WHO)
“Legal highs”: safe and legal “heavens”? (August 2014)
A study on the diffusion,knowledge and risk awareness of novel psychoactive drugs among students in the UK
Circular 014/2014: lawful supply of foil (August 2014)
Announces a change to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 regarding the lawful supply of foil by persons employed or engaged in the provision of drug treatment services (Government, UK)
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (August 2014)
Report by WHO
This is the first study to demonstrate that impressive reductions in HCV incidence can be achieved among PWID over a relatively short time period through high coverage of a combination of interventions (PLoS)
The Quality Principles: Standard Expectations of Care and Support in Drug and Alcohol Services (August 2014)
To ensure anyone looking to address their problem drug and/or alcohol use receives high-quality treatment and support that assists long-term, sustained recovery and keeps them safe from harm (Scottish Government)
Needle and syringe programmes coverage in the United States (August 2014)
There are currently 194 SSPs in 33 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Indian Nations (IDPC)
Expanded harm reduction provision achieves impressive reductions in HCV incidence among PWID in Scotland (August 2014)
Implementation of comprehensive harm reduction policies has achieved impressive reductions in incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Scotland (Aidsmap)
The safer management of controlled drugs (August 2014)
New regulations governing the management and use of controlled drugs came into force in April 2013 (Care Quality Commission)
Forensic early warning system (FEWS) annual report (August 2014)
Annual report on the Home Office forensic early warning system, which identifies new psychoactive substances in the UK (Home Office, UK)
Campaign launched to warn of risks of ‘legal’ highs (August 2014)
Radio, digital and mobile phone adverts are aimed at people aged 15 to 21 and warn them about the risks of taking the drugs (Home Office)
The EU-MADNESS project (August 2014)
The aims of the 24-month project which started on 1 April 2014 and is led by Professor Fabrizio Schifano, are: “to monitor, test, profile, and feed back into education and prevention knowledge relating to the types of NPS emerging in Europe, their associated characteristics and potential harms”
Aluminium foil for smoking drugs (August 2014)
A briefing for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs (Public Health England)
Hepatitis C Virus Infection Epidemiology among People Who Inject Drugs in Europe (August 2014)
A Systematic Review of Datafor Scaling Up Treatment and Prevention (PLOS ONE)
Study finds supervised injection sites in Ottawa to be a fiscally responsible harm reduction strategy (August 2014)
A new study has found that supervised injection sites are a fiscally responsible strategy for reducing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C in Ottawa (CSCS Ottawa)
Home Office approved kits for testing controlled substances (August 2014)
This circular provides advice on drug testing kits that have been approved for the purpose of testing substances suspected to be controlled drugs (Home Office)
Hepatitis C in the UK (August 2014)
The most recent national estimates suggest that around 214,000 individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis C (HCV) in the UK
Second seminar in PHE’s Evidence into Practice and Policy series (July 2014)
Delegates heard about the early background to NSP, the updated NSP guidance produced by NICE and support for implementation, and the implications of the guidance for different communities of professionals and service users (Public Health England)
World Hepatitis DayNew EMCDDA study published (July 2014)
New EMCDDA review on hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs in Europe (EMCDDA)
This guidance has been produced to aid all clinicians and other practitioners in the use of, and reduction of misuse of benzodiazepines (BZ) aimed at primary care (SMMGP)
Temazepan advice (July 2014)
Response to letter from Norman Baker requesting advice on temazepan from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)
Changing trends in drug use among gay men in London have not been matched by a re-positioning of harm reduction services to meet their needs (Sigma)
EMCDDA–Europol Joint Report on a new psychoactive substance: 4,4′-DMAR (July 2014)
In February 2014, the EMCDDA and Europol examined the available information on a new psychoactive substance, 4-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-amine (commonly known by the abbreviation 4,4′-DMAR). The two organisations concluded that sufficient information had been accumulated to merit the production of a Joint Report on 4,4′-DMAR as stipulated by Article 5.1 of the Council Decision (EMCDDA)
Childhood and Adolescent Pathways to Substance Use Disorders (July 2014)
The present report focuses on how biological, behavioural and social factors during the early developmental years play a role in later-life substance abuse, as well as in concurrent mental and physical health problems (Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse)
The Workplace as an AOD-Related Harm Prevention and Intervention Setting (July 2014)
Research has demonstrated that workplaces both contribute to and are impacted by employees’ alcohol and other drug use (NCETA)
Genetic predisposition to schizophrenia associated with increased use of cannabis (June 2014)
Although directly predicting only a small amount of the variance in cannabis use, these findings suggest that part of the association between schizophrenia and cannabis is due to a shared genetic aetiology (Nature)
A guide to estimating oral morphine equivalents (OME) in research (NDARC)
White House Summit on the Opioid Epidemic (June 2014)
Acting Director Michael Botticelli hosted Attorney General Eric Holder, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, Director of National Institute on Drug Abuse Dr. Nora Volkow, and two panels of experts to address the national epidemic of opioid abuse.(ONDCP)
Alcohol and Brain Damage in Adults: With reference to high-risk groups (May 2014)
This report calls for clinical commissioning groups to support services that provide specialist care for patients with alcohol-related brain damage (RCP)
Changing Lifestyles, Keeping Children Safe (May 2014)
An evaluation of the first Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) in care proceedings (FDAC Evaluation Team, Brunel University London)
Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs (May 2014)
This Command Paper is published in response to the Home Affairs Select Committee’s report Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs, published on 20 December 2013 (Government, UK)
Psychoactive substances regulatory action taken (May 2014)
Six psychoactive products are to be recalled from the market after they were found to pose more than a low risk of harm to the public (Ministry of Health, New Zealand)
The impacts of drug policy on young people: Romania (May 2014)
The information presented in this paper is drawn from the experiences of local service providers, young people who use drugs and a review of the available literature (IDPC)
Preventing drug-related deaths (April 2014)
Many of these deaths are preventable. This document provides a checklist for services and local areas that want to improve their practices in this area (Public Health England)
Alcohol and inequities (April 2014)
Guidance for addressing inequities in alcohol-related harm (WHO)
Alcohol minimum pricing report (April 2014)
This report investigates the potential impact and effectiveness of a minimum price regime in reducing harmful alcohol consumption (Ministry of Justice, New Zealand)
Evaluation of ESF Peer Mentoring (April 2014)
Many were entering the Peer Mentoring Project with long histories of major substance misuse (Welsh Government)
Interventions to reduce substance misuse among vulnerable young people (April 2014)
Review decision (NICE)
Opioid substitution therapy as a strategy to reduce deaths in prison: retrospective cohort study (April 2014)
Mortality of opioid-dependent prisoners was significantly lower while in receipt of OST (BMJ)
Emergency health consequences of cocaine use in Europe (April 2014)
A review of the monitoring of drug-related acute emergencies in 30 European countries (EMCDDA)
Limit spread of blood-borne viruses among steroid users (April 2014)
This includes ensuring easy access for those who inject image and performance enhancing drugs to voluntary confidential testing services for HIV and hepatitis and vaccination against hepatitis B, as well as to appropriate sterile injecting equipment through needle and syringe programmes.” (NICE)
Guidelines for the screening, care and treatment of persons with hepatitis c infection (April 2014)
These are the first guidelines dealing with hepatitis C treatment produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and complement existing guidance on the prevention of transmission of bloodborne viruses, including HCV (WHO)
Drug-related infections (April 2014)
EMCDDA and ECDC facilitate sub-regional exchange of knowledge and best practice in monitoring and preventing drug-related infections
Opioid Auto-Injector Can Help Prevent Overdose Deaths (April 2014)
The Food and Drug Administration has made an important advance in helping to save lives when overdoses from drugs known as opioids occur: the approval of a drug that can actually reverse that overdose (FDA)
FDA approves new hand-held auto-injector to reverse opioid overdose (April 2014)
First naloxone treatment specifically designed to be given by family members or caregivers (FDA)
Methamphetamine (March 2014)
Fact vs. Fiction and Lessons from the Crack Hysteria (Open Society Foundations)
Guidelines for the identification and management of substance use and substance use disorders in pregnancy (March 2014)
These guidelines have been developed to enable professionals to assist women who are pregnant, or have recently had a child, and who use alcohol or drugs or who have a substance use disorder, to achieve healthy outcomes for themselves and their fetus or infant (WHO)
Dangerous synthetic drugs hit the EU market (March 2014)
Europol and the EMCDDA have issued today early-warning notifications about two synthetic drugs that have recently been linked to serious harms in the EU (EMCDDA)
European Initiative on Hepatitis C and Drug Use (Feb 2014)
Presentations from the policy meeting February 12th 2014
Methamphetamine: Fact vs. Fiction and Lessons from the Crack Hysteria (Feb 2014)
This new report reveals the extreme stigmatization of users and dangerous policy responses that are reminiscent of the crack hysteria in the 1980s and 1990s, which led to grossly misguided laws that accelerated mass incarceration in the United States (Open Society Foundations)
NBOMe compounds (Feb 2014)
This paper reviews the evidence of misuse and harm in relation to the NBOMe compounds, which has been considered by ACMD at meetings of the Novel Psychoactive Substances Committee in April 2013 and by the full Council in May and October 2013 (Government, UK)
Scotland’s First Harm Reduction Cafe (Feb 2014)
This report is intended to support anyone wanting to host a harm reduction cafe in their local area (Scottish Drugs Forum)
Irrespective of income, moderate drinkers were little affected by a minimum unit price of £0·45 in our model, with the greatest effects noted for harmful drinkers (The Lancet)
There is little evidence to suggest that the many recommendations which have been made in the past decade on how to reduce harms associated with khat are being implemented (Drug Science, Policy and Law)
Best practice portal (Feb 2014)
The Best practice portal is a resource for professionals, policymakers and researchers in the areas of drug-related prevention, treatment, harm reduction and social reintegration (EMCDDA)
Underage drinking in the UK: Changing trends, impact and interventions. A rapid evidence synthesis (Feb 2014)
The authors conclude that whilst the ED might be the best place to identify children and adolescents at risk of harm related to alcohol use it might not be the best place to deliver an intervention (International Journal of Drug Policy)
There was poor awareness of the Scottish National Naloxone Programme in participants. Results indicated GPs did not currently feel sufficiently skilled or knowledgeable to be involved in naloxone provision. Appropriate training was identified as a key requirement (BMC Family Practice)
Four new drugs go under the microscope in the wake of rising health concerns (Jan 2014)
Europe has responded to rising concern over the use of four new drugs by formally requesting a scientific investigation into the health and social risks of the substances. The decision was communicated to the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) by the Council of the EU today, in line with a legal procedure designed to respond to potentially harmful new psychoactive drugs in the EU (EMCDDA)
This study shows a statistical association between the reclassification of cannabis and hospital admissions for cannabis psychosis in the opposite direction to that predicted by the presumed relationship between the two (International Journal of Drug Policy)
Cannabis Withdrawal (Jan 2014)
Nabiximols as an Agonist Replacement Therapy (MedicalResearch.com)
The Harms of Drug Use: Criminalisation, Misinformation,and Stigma (Jan 2014)
Report argues that where harms that may surround illicit drug use are numerous,it is laws and policies, along with their justificatory social constructions and stigmas,that are responsible for driving and worsening many of these avoidable harms (Inpud, UK)
Drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users in Ireland (Jan 2014)
This update presents figures from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) on deaths due to poisoning by alcohol and/or other drugs, and deaths among drug users, in the period 2004–2011 (NDRDI)
Equipping law enforcement and other emergency responders with this overdose-reversal drug will save lives and also help guide many more people suffering from substance use disorders into treatment and long-term recovery (ONDCP)
Does take-home naloxone reduce non-fatal overdose? (Jan 2014)
We designed a national survey of non-fatal overdose among injecting opiate users who attended needle-exchange schemes to create a baseline measure of the prevalence of non-fatal overdose that could be useful to monitor the impact of THN and other harm-reduction interventions (The Lancet)
The report results of the work of experts from Gesundheit Österreich Forschungs- und Planungs GmbH and SOGETI, in close collaboration with EAHC, EMCDDA, DG SANCO, and DG JUST
2013
Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs (Dec 2013)
Twelfth Report from the Home Affairs Committee PDF (UK Government)
Sixty percent of 12th graders do not view regular marijuana use as harmful (Dec 2013)
NIH’s 2013 Monitoring the Future Survey shows high rates of marijuana use; decreases in abuse of pain relievers and synthetic drugs (NIDA)
Monitoring the Future Survey, Overview of Findings 2013 (Dec 2013)
This year’s Monitoring the Future Survey of drug use and attitudes among American 8th, 10th, and 12th graders continues to provide generally encouraging news, with many forms of drug use holding steady at low levels among the nation’s adolescents; however, concerns persist over the softening of attitudes around some types of drug use, particularly decreases in perceived harm and disapproval of marijuana use and perceived harm of non-medical use of prescription medications such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Adderall (NIDA)
Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of Various Drugs (Dec 2013)
Trends for 8th-Graders, 10th-Graders, and 12th-Graders; 2010 – 2013 (NIDA)
American teens more cautious about using synthetic drugs (Dec 2013)
National samples of 40,000 to 50,000 students in three grades (8, 10 and 12) have been surveyed every year since 1991. Among the most important findings from this year’s survey of U.S. secondary school students are the following. 40 page PDF (Monitoring the Future study, the University of Michigan)
Women who use drugs, harm reduction and HIV (Dec 2013)
This issue brief about HIV, harm reduction and the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women who use drugs is part of a series of briefing papers, commissioned by the Global Coalition on Women and AIDS (GCWA), and is designed to provide up-to-date information around key issues concerning HIV prevention, treatment and care related to women and girls (The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS)
Hidden in plain sight (Dec 2013)
The need for more action on injecting drug use among under-18s (IHRA)
NGO recommendations to the new EU Action Plan on Alcohol (Dec 2013)
As the international NGO that represents NGOs on Alcohol Policy across the European Union, Eurocare wishes to contribute initial ideas as the new EU Action Plan begins to be drafted (Eurocare)
HIV, harm reduction and drug policy in Kenya (Dec 2013)
This briefing paper aims to review the recent developments in the response to HIV and illicit drug use in Kenya, and highlights some key recommendations to address the remaining challenges and issues (IDPC)
Human immunodeficiency virus among people who inject drugs (Dec 2013)
Is risk increasing in Europe? (Eurosurveillance)
Benzofurans: A review of the evidence of use and harm (Dec 2013)
The evidence concerning these substances and closely related analogues was considered by the ACMD at meetings of the Novel Psychoactive Substances Committee and by the full Council in 2012 and 2013. A Temporary Class Drug Order (TCDO) for these substances and some closely related analogues came into force on 10 June 2013. Download (Government, UK)
EMCDDA launches new toolkit for monitoring infectious diseases among people who inject drugs (Dec 2013)
The toolkit is designed to help health professionals improve their monitoring practice in order to reduce the burden of disease in this vulnerable group and improve the coverage and quality of services delivered (EMCDDA)
“High”-School: The Relationship between Early Marijuana Use and Educational Outcomes (Dec 2013)
We use unique survey data linked to nearly a decade of administrative welfare data to examine the relationship between early marijuana use (at age 14 or younger) and young people’s educational outcomes (Melbourne Institute)
When sex work and drug use overlap (Nov 2013)
Considerations for advocacy and practice (Harm Reduction International)
Proposal to allow wider access to naloxone for use in emergencies (Nov 2013)
The MHRA is asking for feedback to a proposal to allow wider access to naloxone for the purpose of saving life in an emergency. This would be achieved by an amendment of the Human Use Regulations 2012. The proposal is aimed at reducing deaths from heroin overdoses. The consultation document has been jointly produced by the UK Health Departments and the MHRA (UK Government)
With appropriate training in OD management and naloxone administration, PWID in Melbourne show readiness to actively participate in THN programs (Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia)
Shooting Up: Infections among people who inject drugs in the UK 2012. An update (Nov 2013)
The 11th annual report on infections among people who inject drugs in the United Kingdom. Download (Public Health England)
Working together to reduce harm – substance misuse annual report 2013 (Nov 2013)
Annual report on progress made to implement the substance misuse strategy (Welsh Government)
Hepatitis C Avoidance in Injection Drug Users (Nov 2013)
A Typology of Possible Protective Practices (PLOS ONE)
UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic 2013 (Nov 2013)
This report on the global AIDS epidemic contains the latest data on numbers of new HIV infections, numbers of people receiving antiretroviral treatment, AIDS-related deaths and HIV among children – download (IDPC)
The Needle and the Damage Done (Oct 2013)
Injecting Risk Behaviours of People Who Inject Drugs (NDARC)
Needle and Syringe Programs – ANCD position paper (Oct 2013)
The ANCD believes that while it is important to utilise NSPs to provide additional health services, education, and referrals to people who inject drugs, the provision of sterile injecting equipment should remain a primary focus. We believe that it is appropriate for Australia to aim for 100 per cent coverage of injections with sterile equipment, and for its NSPs to operate in ways that facilitate this aim (ANCD)
Trends in Drug Use and Related Harms in Australia, 2001 to 2013 (Oct 2013)
The purpose of this resource document is to collate various data sources that document trends in alcohol and other drug use and harms in Australia (NDARC)
How the Authority is assessing interim products (Oct 2013)
The Safety Assessment of Psychoactive Products report – The Risk Assessment Score Table – Reporting Adverse Effects to Psychoactive Products (Ministry of Health, new Zealand)
The Uncomfortable Truth Hepatitis C in England: The State of the Nation (Oct 2013)
A new report, published today by The Hepatitis C Trust has found that hepatitis C is grossly under-prioritised in England. Despite it being curable, only 3% of people receive treatment each year (Hepatitis C Trust)
Reducing truancy, moral disengagement and psychological distress (NDARC)
HIV, HCV, and drug use in men who have sex with men (Oct 2013)
The intersection of unprotected sex and use of street and party drugs is likely to amplify the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and sexually transmitted infections (STI) in men who have sex with men (The Lancet)
Part of the Picture Substance Dependency and Help-Seeking Behaviour (2012) (Oct 2013)
This report further explores problematic and dependent drug and alcohol use and help seeking behaviour, particularly among those who indicated substance dependency (LGF)
Cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid treatment v. oral methadone for chronic heroin addiction (Oct 2013)
Injectable opioid treatments are more cost-effective than optimised oral methadone for chronic refractory heroin addiction. The choice between supervised injectable heroin and injectable methadone is less clear. There is currently evidence to suggest superior effectiveness of injectable heroin but at a cost that policy makers may find unacceptable (British Journal of Psychiatry)
Final Report for Closing the Gap through Clinical Communities (Oct 2013)
The project has been designed to prevent patients of substance misuse treatment services of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) from contracting blood-borne viruses (BBV) through early screening and testing for BBVs, education and vaccination (Health.org.uk)
Alcohol and drugs: JSNA support pack (Sept 2013)
The Alcohol and drugs: JSNA support pack has been developed to support the joint strategic needs assessment process and local joint health and wellbeing strategies (Public Health England)
Support Manual for Dealing with Substance Use Issues in the Out of School Sector (Sept 2013)
This manual takes consideration of recent policy developments both in the area of Substance Misuse and the Youth Work Sector (National Youth Council of Ireland)
Patient-Centred Leadership: Rediscovering our purpose (Sept 2013)
The report is written in relation to all health services and applicable to governance and leadership drug and alcohol services (King’s Fund, UK)
ACMD advice on lisdexamfetamine and z-drugs (Sept 2013)
These ACMD letters to Minister for Crime Prevention, Jeremy Browne MP advise on lisdexamfetamine and z-drugs (ACMD)
Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit (Aug 2013)
Equips communities and local governments with material to develop policies and practices to help prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths. Addresses issues for first responders, treatment providers, and those recovering from opioid overdose (SAMSHA, USA)
In response to the growing concern over the availability and use of products containing synthetic cannabinoids in Australia, the Australian Institute of Criminology, in consultation with NCPIC, surveyed a sample of offenders through the DUMA program to ask about their experience with using synthetic cannabis (NCPIC)
Delivering Recovery-Opioid Replacement Therapies in Scotland-Independent Expert Review (Aug 2013)
An independent expert group commissioned by the Scottish Government was set up to gather and explore evidence on opiate replacement therapies used to treat people with drug addictions (Scottish Government, UK)
Best Practice Recommendations for Canadian Harm Reduction Programs (Aug 2013)
The goal of the Best Practice Recommendations is to improve the effectiveness of harm reduction programs that deliver prevention services to people who use drugs and are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and other harms (Catie, Canada)
Hepatitis C in the UK 2013 report July 2013
Hepatitis C predominantly affects marginalised groups of society, including people who inject drugs and minority ethnic populations, and so the government policy gives us a clear mandate to tackle hepatitis C (HPA, UK)
HIV and Injecting Drug Use July 2013
NAT has published a report on ‘HIV and Injecting Drug Use’. Issues discussed include MSM and problematic drug use, policy on OST maintenance, elevated mortality rates amongst people who inject drugs and have HIV – and many other matters. For a quick skim you can see the recommendations in blue boxes throughout the report, and then also collated at the end (NAT, UK)
Opioid overdose: preventing and reducing opioid overdose mortality June 2013
Contribution of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Health Organization to improving responses by Member States to the increasing problem of opioid overdose deaths (WHO)
The Negative Impact Of The War On Drugs On Public Health: The Hidden Hepatitis C Epidemic May 2013
In 2012 the Global Commission on Drug Policy released a report that outlined how the ‘war on drugs’ is driving the HIV epidemic among people who use drugs. The present report focuses on hepatitis C as it represents another massive and deadly epidemic for this population | GCDP
Public Health Report on Commissioning of HCV services in London for People who Inject Drugs April 2013
Chronic hepatitis C infection in people who inject drugs represents a major health inequality in a marginalised group in society. In London the prevalence of hepatitis C is 55% in people who inject drugs compared to 1-2% in the general population. This report represents a call to action for commissioners of drug addiction services and specialist liver services (London Joint Working Group On Substance Misuse and hepatitis C, UK)
Blueprint for a Public Health and Safety Approach to Drug Policy April 2013
ome of the problems with our current drug policies stem from the fact that these policies have been largely bifurcated between two different and often contradictory approaches. One treats drug use as a crime that cannot be tolerated and should be punished; the other views addiction as a chronic relapsing health or behavioral condition requiring ongoing treatment and support (New York Academy of Medicine, USA)
Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C treatment for people who inject drugs. A qualitative study March 2013
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global public health problem. The burden of HCV infection is concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID), with an estimated five million PWID living with chronic HCV in the European Region (WHO, Switzerland)
This is a revision of the 2009 Technical Guide (PDF), which provides technical guidance to countries on monitoring efforts to prevent and treat HIV infection among people who inject drugs (UNODC, USA)
2012
Harm reduction overviews December 2012
Harm reduction overviews are available for 30 countries — the 27 EU Member States, Norway as EMCDDA member, and Turkey and Croatia as Candidate Countries (EMCDDA)
Pregnancy, childcare and the family: key issues for europe’s response to drugs October 2012
Drugs and the family: ‘room for improvement’ in responding to problems. Download | EMCDDA
Pseudoephedrine- and ephedrine-containing medicines October 2012
2012 review of actions to manage the risk of misuse. Download | MHRA, UK
Preventing opioid overdoses in Europe October 2012
This report focuses on individual, situational and organisational risk factors for overdoses and how they can be modified to reduce fatal outcomes | EMCDDA
New Jersey Syringe Access Program Demonstration Project October 2012
Final report: Implementation of P.L. 2006, c. 99 “Blood-borne Disease Harm Reduction Act” | New Jersey Department of Health, USA
Expanding Naloxone Availability September 2012
ANCD position statement
Ending the revolving door September 2012
How the first generation of police and crime commissioners can cut crime by working in partnership to address multiple needs | Revolving Doors, UK
‘Between a rock and a hard place’ report published September 2012
Since September 2011 Adfam and Against Violence and Abuse (AVA) have been jointly working to explore and document the experiences of parents affected by child to parent violance (CPV) from thier substance using children. Download Report or Summary | Adfam, UK
Supply, Demand and Harm Reduction in Australian Prisons August 2012
The operation of Australia’s prisons need far greater levels of accountability and transparency, as well as a much stronger commitment to providing effective programs and treatment for people with drug and alcohol problems issues if we are to see any real reductions in reoffending rates. Download | Australian National Council on Drugs
Health groups celebrate decision on Needle & Syringe Exchange Program for ACT prison August 2012
Key health organisations are celebrating the ACT Government’s decision to include a Needle and Syringe Exchange Program as part of its broader strategy for management of blood borne viruses (BBVs) in the ACT’s prison | Public Health Association Australia
Quantifying the RR of harm to self and others from substance misuse August 2012
Results from a survey of clinical experts across Scotland | BMJ Open
Injecting Equipment Provision in Scotland Survey 2010/11 July 2012
This publication reports on the findings of the survey of injecting equipment provision (IEP) to people who inject drugs and relates to financial year 2010/11. Summary | ISD, Scotland, UK
Naloxone – Supply and Use 2011-2012 July 2012
This is the first annual release of monitoring information from the National Naloxone Programme in Scotland. This report presents data on the number of ‘take-home’ naloxone kits issued as part of the national programme during 2011/12. Summary| ISD, Scotland, UK
Global State of Harm Reduction 2012 July 2012
This report, and other global state of harm reduction resources, are designed to provide reference tools for a wide range of audiences, such as international donor organisations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, civil society and non-governmental organisations, including organisations of people who use drugs, as well as researchers and the media. Download | IHRA
Responding to drug use and related problems in recreational settings July 2012
This paper summarises some of the approaches used today to prevent and reduce the health and social risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol in recreational settings. Download | EMCDDA
Prevention and control of infectious diseases among people who inject drugs July 2012
This joint guidance report explores good public health practices that can support effective policies to reduce infections. Common blood-borne viruses in this group include HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C | EMCDDA
Drug consumption rooms Evidence and practice July 2012
Briefing paper | IDPC
Rehabilitating Drug Policy June 2012
What can we do better to reduce offending by drug addicts? | Civitas
Evaluation of the MEAM service pilots June 2012
Following 40 clients, the evaluation provides some of the strongest data available on multiple needs and exclusions. The results show statistically significant increases in individual wellbeing and provide important information on how the shape and cost of wider service use changes as people engage with coordinated interventions. Download | MEAM, UK
Methadone Maintenance Treatment Handbook June 2012
This document has been prepared for the physicians of Nova Scotia as a roadmap for methadone maintenance therapy – that is, the use of methadone primarily as the treatment for opioid dependency | College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Canada
Tackling the Problem of Hepatitis C, Substance Misuse and Health Inequalities June 2012
A Consensus for London | The London Joint Working Group for Substance Misuse and Hepatitis C , UK
Video – A-Z good practice in homeless hostels May 2012
This short film gives examples of good practice when providing hostel accommodation for homeless drug users. The examples are based on the findings of a research study undertaken by Dr Stevenson and Prof Neale at Oxford Brookes University which asked homeless drug users about their experiences of hostel living | You Tube
Quality Indicators for Hepatitis C April 2012
The quality indicators focus on prevention, testing and assessment, treatment and support, and service organisation related to hepatitis C infection – Download | Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Report of the Toronto and Ottawa Supervised Consumption Assessment Study April 2012
Do Toronto and Ottawa need supervised consumption facilities? Is the implementation of supervised consumption facilities in Toronto or Ottawa feasible? To answer these questions, we conducted the Toronto and Ottawa Supervised Consumption Assessment (TOSCA) a scientific study involving the collection and analysis of data from a variety of sources – Download | TOSCA, Canada
Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry April 2012
Summary of report with reference to alcohol and other drug treatment | VAADA, Australia
The Michael Project, 2007-2010 April 2012
New perspectives and possibilities for homeless men | Mission Australia
A war against people who use drugs April 2012
The costs | Eurasian Harm Reduction Network
Providing guidance to policy makers for developing coherent policies for licit and illicit drugs April 2012
This policy paper aims to provide decision makers and policy managers with an overview of the basic principles, instruments and tools that will support them in developing, reviewing and implementing drug policies, strategies and action plans | Pompidou Group, Europe
Supporting adult family members of people with drug problems in Scotland March 2012
This report highlights some of the key issues that have emerged from a study looking at the extent and nature of support currently provided for adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problem. This mapping exercise was part of a UK-wide project, but the findings presented here focus solely on the data collected relating to Scotland | UKDPC
Naltrexone Sustained Release Preparations ( Injectible & Implants) March 2012
In response to the ongoing debate regarding the use of naltrexone implants to treat opioid dependence, the Australian National Council on Drugs has released the following statement and fact sheet | ANCD, Australia
The Forgotten Carers: Support for adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems March 2012
This briefing provides an overview of the key findings and implications of a study investigating the extent and nature of support provided to adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
A UK-wide survey of services for adult family members | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
Review of Policy and Guidance Documents across the UK | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
Qualitative Interviews with Commissioners and Service Providers in England and Scotland | UKDPC
Better access to naloxone, training could reduce opioid overdose deaths March 2012
The findings in this report suggest that distribution of naloxone and training in its administration might have prevented numerous deaths from opioid overdoses,” stated Eliza Wheeler, MPA, Drug Overdose Prevention and Education Project, Harm Reduction Coalition, Oakland, Calif., and colleagues | Formulary, USA
Harm reduction interventions for opioid injectors February 2012
Current evidence on the effectiveness of the available harm reduction options for opioid injectors | EMCDDA
Community-Based Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs Providing Naloxone February 2012
To address the substantial increases in opioid-related drug overdose deaths, public health agencies could consider comprehensive measures that include teaching laypersons how to respond to overdoses and administer naloxone to those in need. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, USA
Ending gang and youth violence – detailed report February 2012
The report looks into the scale of the problem of gang and youth violence, analyses its causes, and identifies what can be done by government and other agencies to stop the violence and to turn around the lives of those involved | Home Office, UK
Local Tobacco Control Profiles for England February 2012
These profiles provide a snapshot of the extent of tobacco use, tobacco related harm, and measures being taken to reduce this harm at a local level | London Health Observatory, UK
Competition and Consumer (Tobacco) Information Standard 2011 February 2012
This Standard provides for a system of health warnings to increase consumer knowledge of the health effects relating to the use of tobacco products | Australian Government
Hepatitis C and HIV Co-infection January 2012
Approximately 9% of HIV positive people in the UK are co-infected with hepatitis C | NAT, UK
A Framework for Reducing Alcohol and Drug Related Harm in Northern Ireland January 2012
Phase 2, 2011-2016 | DHSSPS, UK
Drug advice for schools January 2012
Updated: 25 January 2012 | Department for Education and the Association of Chief Police Officers, UK
HIV in injecting drug users in the EU/EEA January 2012
In response to a notified increase in HIV cases among injecting drug users (IDU) in Greece and Romania, the European Commission asked the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) in November 2011 to conduct a rapid inquiry among their network of HIV surveillance- and drug focal points to investigate whether such increases had occurred in other countries | EMCDDA
Press reporting of issues relating to illicit drug use January 2012
UKDPC have asked the Leveson Inquiry to look at how the press reports illicit drug use, and its impact on policymaking and public perceptions of people with drug addictions | UKDPC
Drug policy and the public good: evidence for effective interventions January 2012
Evidence-based interventions are increasingly being identified that are capable of making drugs less available, reducing violence in drug markets, lessening misuse of legal pharmaceuticals, preventing drug use initiation in young people, and reducing drug use and its consequences in established drug users
2011
Responding to new psychoactive substances December 2011
This briefing paper describes some of the practical and legal obstacles facing Member States when responding to such new substances. It underlines the importance of national early-warning systems in detecting and identifying new substances as the first step towards assessing the risks of, and ultimately controlling, potentially dangerous new drugs. English download | EMCDDA
Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment December 2011
This report presents the major findings from the Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment study, a three-year study funded by NSW Community Services, Department of Family and Community Services, and the University of New South Wales | NDARC, Australia
NACD study reveals that home grown cannabis has stronger potency than imported variety November 2011
The research entitled The potency of cannabis products and their THC content provides the first national baseline for measuring the potency of the drug | National Advisory Committee on Drugs, Ireland
Holding Pattern November 2011
An exploratory study of the lived experiences of those on methadone maintenance in Dublin North East | The Clients Forum of the Dublin North East Drugs Task Force, Ireland
Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment November 2011
This report presents the major findings from the Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment study, a three-year study funded by NSW Community Services, Department of Family and Community Services, and the University of New South Wales | NDARC, Australia
Why wouldn’t I discriminate against all of them November 2011
A Report on Stigma and Discrimination towards the Injecting Drug User Community | Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users’ League
HRI launches new interactive Global State of Harm Reduction e-tool! October 2011
The GSHR e-tool draws on the latest research to present an at-a-glance guide to the current state of harm reduction worldwide, making data from HRI’s Global State series easier to access than ever before | Harm Reduction International
Parental Substance Misuse October 2011
A new feature relating to the recent National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) report entitled Parental Substance Misuse: Addressing its Impact on Children | Drugs.ie, Ireland
Prevention profiles 2011 October 2011
What are countries in Europe doing to prevent illicit drug use? ‘Prevention profiles’ try to answer this question by providing information based on expert appraisal of the level of provision of different prevention measures in Europe | EMCDDA
The role of education in developing recovery capital in recovery from substance addiction October 2011
This report is derived from an analysis of data from 20 in-depth interviews with individuals in recovery from substance addiction; the data was collected as part of a wider study that explored how people recover from drug addiction and how they manage the process of social reintegration | Soilse Drug Rehabilitation Project, Dublin
Beyond Methadone – Improving Health and Empowering Patients in Opioid Treatment October 2011
Our research findings cover topics as diverse as hepatitis C, overdose prevention, syringe access, alternatives to methadone (burprenorphine), treatment interruptions, patient rights and involvement, and harassment by security and police | Vocal New York, USA
Seven ways to reduce infections among people who inject drugs October 2011
Joint guidance report from ECDC and the EMCDDA
Amphetamine Type Stimulants and Harm Reduction October 2011
Experiences from Myanmar, Thailand and Southern China | Transnational Institute, Netherlands
Drop in ‘legal high’ poisonings following ban October 2011
Banning so-called ‘legal highs’ including mephedrone led to a fall in the number of queries on how to treat users, poisoning experts have found. National Poisons Information Service – Annual Report | Health Protection Agency, UK
Cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and psychosis risk: What the evidence says September 2011
A review of the evidence on marijuana’s impact on the risk of developing psychotic disorders, as well as the potential contributions of “medical” marijuana and other legally available products containing synthetic cannabinoids to psychosis risk | Current Psychiatry
Time to address stimulant abuse on our campuses September 2011
Like doping in sports, abuse of stimulants by our best and brightest students should be denormalized by being viewed as cheating or substance abuse, pure and simple | CMAJ, Canada
Incarceration Predicts Virologic Failure for HIV-Infected Injection Drug Users Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy September 2011
Among IDUs achieving viral suppression while receiving ART, virologic failure occurred with high frequency and was strongly associated with brief incarceration | Clinical Infectious Diseases
New Research shows families with multiple problems are helped by intensive support
New research into family intervention programmes has shown that joined-up, intensive intervention has led to a fall in anti-social behavior, truancy and domestic violence | Revolving Doors, UK
Turning the Tide Vision Paper September 2011
Turning the Tide is a joint publication by | Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) and Revolving Doors, UK
Suboxone for Short-term Detoxification September 2011
A Review of the Clinical Evidence | Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
Tackling homelessness and exclusion: Understanding complex lives September 2011
How can policy and practice more effectively tackle homelessness, and how does it overlap with people’s other support needs? Summary | Joseph Rowntree Foundation, UK
Australia’s evolving responses to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders September 2011
Submission to the Inquiry into the Commonwealth Funding and Administration of Mental Health Services | Dual Diagnosis, Australia
Harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs in Bangkok September 2011
New research points to the need for policy reforms and harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs in Bangkok, Thailand – Report | UHRI, Canada
A summary of the health harms of drugs August 2011
A reference document summarising, for a non-medical audience, the latest scientific evidence about the health-related harms of emerging and established licit and illicit drugs commonly used in the UK | NTA, UK
A summary of the health harms of drugs – Technical document August 2011
This technical document accompanies ‘A summary of the health harms of drugs’. It summarises methodological aspects of the work; articles identified through literature searches; and references for literature used | NTA, UK
Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales, 2010 August 2011
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics on deaths related to drug poisoning (involving both legal and illegal drugs) and drug misuse (involving illegal drugs) in England and Wales for the period 2006 to 2010 | Office for National Statistics, UK
By Women, For Women August 2011
New Approaches to Harm Reduction in Russia – Download | Open Society Foundations, USA
Hostels Good Practice Guidelines August 2011
Good practice guidelines on hostel accommodation: the views of homeless drug users | Brookes Drug and Alcohol Research Group, UK
The role of emergency hostels and night shelters in supporting homeless drug users August 2011
This study seeks to increase our understanding of the support needs of homeless drug users who stay in emergency hostels and shelters in order to improve policy and practice | Brookes Drug and Alcohol Research Group, UK
Drug-related Deaths Down for Second Consecutive Year August 2011
The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has fallen for the second year in succession Documents here | Registrar General, Scotland, UK
Balancing Access and Safety: Meeting the challenge of blood borne viruses in prison July 2011
Moore report into implementation of a Needle and Syringe Program in the Alexander Maconochie Centre | ACT Health, Australia
Injecting Equipment Provision in Scotland Survey 2009/10 July 2011
This is the third report on the findings of the survey of injecting equipment provision (IEP) to injecting drug users and relates to financial year 2009/10 |Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland, UK
Khat: Social harms and legislation July 2011
A literature review by David M. Anderson and Neil C. M. Carrier, University of Oxford | Home Office, UK
Victorian Pharmacotherapy Review June 2011
The purpose of the review was to develop an evidence-based options paper ‘to ensure pharmacotherapy services in Victoria remain responsive to current and future demand while improving accessibility for clients and reducing service gaps’ | DPMP: NDARC, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre: Eastern Health, Australia
Treatment or Torture? June 2011
Applying International Human Rights Standards to Drug Detention Centers. Download | Open Society Foundations, USA
Treated with Cruelty June 2011
Abuses in the Name of Rehabilitation. Download | Open Society Foundations, USA
Consultation on Proposed Improvements to the Marijuana Medical Access Program June 2011
In response to concerns heard from Canadians, the Government of Canada announced on June 17, 2011 that it is considering improvements to the Program. The proposed improvements would reduce the risk of abuse and exploitation by criminal elements and keep our children and communities safe. Press release | Health Canada
Alcohol and Drugs – Training Needs Analysis Guide June 2011
This report looks at how we can tackle the alcohol and drugs problem in Scotland – Download | Health Scotland, UK
Harm reduction guidelines in Europe June 2011
This page contains a listing of national harm reduction guidelines in Europe, along with some international standards and guidelines | EMCDDA
Strengthening families program for teens and parents June 2011
Year 1 Evaluation Report | Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force, Ireland
Government-funded specialist homelessness services June 2011
SAAP National Data Collection annual report 2009-10. Appendix | AIHW, Australia
HIV among people who use drugs June 2011
Reference Group calls on UN Member States to scale-up evidence-based interventions to address HIV among people who use drugs | IDPC
New guide safeguards children affected by substance misuse June 2011
A new practical guide issued on Wednesday, 1st June by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse says those responsible for drink and drug treatment must take a wider, more preventative approach, identifying early on when families need help as well as protecting children from neglect and harm | NTA, UK
Towards zero infections June 2011
The UK’s position paper on HIV in the developing world | Department for International Development, UK
HIV & Islam June 2011
Responsible religious response to HIV & AIDS in Malaysia. PDF from Malaysian AIDS Council | IDPC
Interventions to Prevent Hepatitis C Virus Infection in People Who Inject Drugs June 2011
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Prevent Hepatitis C Virus Infection in People Who Inject Drugs | Journal of Infectious Diseases
Taking Drugs Seriously May 2011
A Demos and UK Drug Policy Commission report on legal highs. Full report and background paper | UKDPC
Nurses release paper on harm reduction and illegal drugs May 2011
The paper focuses on harm reduction strategies aimed at reducing health and social harms associated with illegal drug use. It presents current perspectives and evidence on harm reduction policy and practice, and identifies implications for nursing policy, practice, research and education | Canadian Nurses Association
HIV and Injecting Drug Use: A Global Call for Action May 2011
The Official Declaration of the 2011 International Harm Reduction Conference. IHRA Declaration – Lancet Editorial on the IHRA Declaration | SMMGP, UK
Report on the risk assessment of mephedrone May 2011
This publication presents the summary findings and the conclusions of the risk assessment on mephedrone, carried out by the EMCDDA’s extended Scientific Committee, with participation of additional experts from the European Commission, Europol and the EMA | EMCDDA
HIV Prevention Among Injection Drug Users In Kenya and Tanzaniar May 2011
New opportunities and progress | Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA
Drug Deaths’ Conference Presentations now available April 2011
Presentations, in PDF format, from the above Conference are now available to view | Scottish Drugs Forum, UK
Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental and Substance Use Disorders April 2011
What’s Working, What’s Needed? | SAMHSA, USA
Opioid substitution therapy in resource-poor settings April 2011
One of the most consistent findings in both high-income and resource-poor settings is that the more time injecting drug users spend on opioid substitution therapy, the better the outcomes and the less they are likely to engage in high risk behaviours | World Health Organization
HIV and injecting drug use: a global call for action April 2011
Their needs have been neglected, and their rights have been ignored, and, in many cases, horribly violated as governments have chosen to pursue punitive, disproportionate drug laws instead of evidence-based health strategies to address drug-related harm | The Lancet, UK
Greater flexibility for drug testing in police stations March 2011
Police forces will now have greater freedom and flexibility to drug test people on arrest, Minister for Crime Prevention James Brokenshire announced today [Home Office, UK]
Social Work Services and Recovery from Substance Misuse March 2011
A review of the evidence [Scottish Government, UK]
Social Work Services and Recovery from Substance Misuse March 2011
Research Findings [Scottish Government, UK]
Health protection in prisons report 2009-2010 March 2011
The work programme for 2009-2010 covered three key areas: improving infectious disease surveillance, the hepatitis B vaccination monitoring programme, and information and communication. This report outlines the progress made in meeting the objectives of the work programme in these key areas [Health Protection Agency, UK]
Needle and Syringe Program March 2011
Treatment service users (TSU) project: phase two [Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
Continued cannabis use and risk of incidence and persistence of psychotic symptoms: 10 year follow-up cohort study February 2011
Conclusion Cannabis use is a risk factor for the development of incident psychotic symptoms. Continued cannabis use might increase the risk for psychotic disorder by impacting on the persistence of symptoms [British Medical Journal]
Hepatitis and drug use February 2011
A new thematic page on drug use and hepatitis [EMCDDA]
Global Status report on alcohol and health 2011 February 2011
The Global status report on alcohol and health (2011) presents a comprehensive perspective on the global, regional and country consumption of alcohol, patterns of drinking, health consequences and policy responses in Member States[World Health Organization]
Getting Serious about Stigma in Scotland February 2011
The problem with stigmatising drug users [UKDPC]
Reducing Alcohol and Other Drug Related Harm February 2011
Evidence on how high levels of alcohol and other drug use-related harm among Indigenous Australians are both a consequence of, and contribute to, the health and social gap between them and non-Indigenous Australians [AIHW, Australia]
HIV Testing and Human Rights: Resources and Fact Sheets February 2011
However, there is growing evidence from several countries that … people who use drugs, and sex workers are being forced by police to submit to HIV tests against their will [Open Society Foundations, USA]
What should a recovery-oriented drug treatment system look like? February 2011
Consultation questionnaire 2nd February to 4th May 2011 [NTA, UK]
Drug policies and harm reduction in South East Europe January 2011
This briefing paper is the first of a series focusing on drug-related issues in SEE. It provides an overview of the current situation regarding harm reduction services and national drug policies in the region [IDPC]
Risk and Protection Factors for Substance Use among Young People January 2011
A comparative study of early school-leavers and school attending students [NACD, Ireland]
National needle and syringe programs strategic framework 2010-2014 January 2011
This framework sets policy directions and identifies program goals to assist governments and administrators planning the future development of needle and syringe programs – PDF [Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
Methadone Treatment Protocol Review Launched January 2011
The HSE recently published the Introduction of the Opioid Treatment Protocol, a wide ranging review of the Methadone Treatment Protocol [1998]. The document can be downloaded here [City Wide, Ireland]
Whole Person Recovery – a user-centred systems approach to problem drug misuse January 2011
The RSA’s Whole Person Recovery Project aims to understand in a holistic way how problematic drug and alcohol users become trapped in cycles of addiction, what helps or hinders their journey to recovery, and how their recovery can be sustained – 10MB PDF [RSA, UK]
2010
Needle and Syringe Program December 2010
National needle and syringe programs strategic framework 2010-2014 PDF [Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
Getting Serious about Stigma: the problem with stigmatising drug users December 2010
This report provides an overview of the findings of a wide ranging research project looking at the extent and nature of stigma towards current and ex-drug users and their families. Overview and Summary Background material … Attitudes and Representations in British Press [UKDPC]
Safety and Wellbeing of Children in Families with Multiple and Complex Problems December 2010
Presents evidence regarding the extent to which parental substance misuse, domestic violence and parental mental health problems co-occur and discusses the wider context of exclusion and disadvantage [Australian Institute of Family Studies]
Final Connections Project Update: December 2010
T3E final research report – Ethnicity, drugs, HIV and prisons in Europe
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (HCLU) Report: Prison and Risks
EU drugs agency launches new guidelines for HIV testing in injecting drug users November 2010
More injecting drug users should undergo tests for HIV, viral hepatitis and other infections such as tuberculosis, says the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA). In new guidelines published today on the eve of World AIDS Day [EMCDDA]
Drug and alcohol treatment sector drives up standards of care November 2010
Doctors, former drug users, healthcare managers and charities, among others, have formed a unique new partnership to drive up standards in drug and alcohol treatment in England and help more people achieve recovery [Substance Misuse Skills Consortium, UK]
QuADs Support Project November 2010
QuADS (Quality Standards in Alcohol and Drugs Services) is a quality standards framework that was developed by Drug Scope and Alcohol Concern in the UK in 1999 and has been selected as the guiding quality standard framework for HSE Addiction Services in Ireland [Ana Liffey Drug Project, Ireland]
Drug Policy Harm Part Five: Conclusion November 2010
For part one onwards start here [John Moore, Bristol, UK]
Facing the future, DrugScope conference Nov 2010 November 2010
Presentations from the DrugScope conference including Anne Milton MP’s Ministerial Address [DrugScope, UK]
Access to social networking tools in the AOD sector’ November 2010
Social networking is becoming a key medium for communication and community building in all areas of life. Increasingly social networking is being utilised in the not-for-profit sector to increase community development, information dissemination and engagement with our clients [Uniting Care Moreland Hall, Australia]
Foil report November 2010
This report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs considers the use of foil, as an intervention, to reduce the harms of injecting heroin [Home Office, UK]
Joint UNODC / INCB Statement on the International Drug Control System and Human Health and Human Rights November 2010
The recent report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health focuses on the international drug control system [UNODC]
NTA fulfils promise on expert group on medication & recovery November 2010
An expert group chaired by Prof John Strang of the National Addiction Centre meets for the first time today (8th November) to start developing new expert guidance on how the prescribing of medications can help individuals achieve fuller recovery [National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK]
The Training Manual November 2010
The training manual “Prison staff and harm reduction” is the main output of the EU-funded [TCJP project]
Risk and Protection Factors for Substance Use Among Young People October 2010
A Comparative Study of Early School-Leavers and School-Attending Students [NACD, Ireland]
Risk of death during and after opiate substitution treatment in primary care October 2010
Prospective observational study in UK General Practice Research Database [BMJ, UK]
Harm reduction interventions October 2010
In this section we present the current evidence base for harm reduction interventions. [EMCDDA]
Perceptions of the social harms associated with khat use October 2010
This report describes the findings from a study exploring the perceived social harms associated with the use of khat [Home Office, UK]
Guidelines for testing HIV, viral hepatitis and other infections in injecting drug users October 2010
These guidelines are accompanied by a recommended package of prevention and primary care in relation to injecting drug users and infections [EMCDDA]
Further evaluation of the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre during its extended Trial period (2007-2011) October 2010
Full report from [NSW Health, Australia]
Mental Health Screenings and Trauma-Related Counseling in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities September 2010
In 2009, more than half (62 percent) of all substance abuse treatment facilities provided brief mental health screenings that could be used to identify clients in need of trauma services; less than half (42 percent) provided full diagnostic mental health assessments [SAMHSA, USA]
Injecting Equipment Provision in Scotland Survey 2008/09 September 2010
This document reports on the findings of a survey of injecting equipment provision (IEP) to injecting drug users in 2008/09 and the first six months of 2009/10 in Scotland [ISD Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, UK]
John Strang on the concept of supervised injecting heroin clinics and the birth of the RIOTT trial September 2010
John describes how from the mid 90’s onwards he and others were keen to do a good quality trial of injectable maintenance. He goes on to talk about international developments, and the improving quality of the science. One of three new videos [FEAD, UK]
Heroin maintenance for chronic heroin-dependent individuals September 2010
The available evidence suggests a small added value of heroin prescribed alongside flexible doses of methadone for long-term, treatment-refractory opioid users, considering a decrease in the use of street heroin and other illicit substances, and in the probability of being imprisoned; and an increase in retention in treatment – Intervention Review [Cochrane Library]
NTA issues ‘free mapping’ tool to prison drug workers September 2010
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) has issued all prisons in England with a tool-kit to help health specialists provide vital talking therapies for inmates seeking to quit drugs. Download [NTA, UK]
Pregnancy and complex social factors September 2010
A model for service provision for pregnant women with complex social factors. Section 1.2 Pregnant women who misuse substances (alcohol and/or drugs) [NICE, UK]
MSIC monitoring report September 2010
The Medically Supervised Injection Centre has not had a negative impact on robbery, property crime or drug offences in Kings Cross LAC, according to the latest monitoring report by the [NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Australia]
Policy resistance to harm reduction for drug users and potential effect of change September 2010
Despite good evidence for its effectiveness in HIV prevention, countries such as Russia remain resistant to harm reduction. Tim Rhodes and colleagues show the obstacles to and potential benefits of changing policy on opiate substitution treatment [BMJ, UK]
Breakthrough Northern Ireland August 2010
Chapter 2.4 Addiction [Centre for Social Justice, UK]
Hunger and associated harms among injection drug users in an urban Canadian setting August 2010
These findings suggest that IDU in this setting would likely benefit from interventions that work to improve access to food and social support services, including addiction treatment programs which may reduce the adverse effect of ongoing drug use on hunger [Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy]
Guide to Developing and Managing Syringe Access Programs August 2010
This manual offers practice, suggestions and considerations rooted in harm reduction – an approach to drug use that promotes and honors the competence of drug users to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities and the belief that drug users have a right to respect, health and life-saving sterile injection equipment [The Harm Reduction Coalition, USA]
Extreme social stigma holds back drug recovery August 2010
The extreme stigma attached to drug addiction represents a massive obstacle to rehabilitation and recovery; hindering access to treatment, securing work and housing and rejoining society, and lasting for very long periods of time [UK Drug Policy Commission]
Why Overdose Matters for HIV August 2010
Experience has shown that overdose prevention and education and naloxone distribution to both illegal and legal opioid users can enhance HIV programming and are feasible and effective in many different settings, including harm reduction outreach programs, AIDS and drug treatment services, emergency medical departments, and prisons [EHRN]
‘Guide to Ethnobotanical Plants and Herbs, Synthetic Chemicals, Compounds and Products’ August 2010
This Guide has been produced in response to requests from workers, users, medical professionals and academics for information on the emerging issue of legal herbal highs, plants and chemical alternatives available to buy in shops and online [Substance Misuse Service HSE South Tipperary, Ireland]
Accessibility of HIV Prevention for People who Use Drugs and Incarcerated People July 2010
Accessibility of HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care Services for People who Use Drugs and Incarcerated People in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Legislative and Policy Analysis and Recommendations for Reform. PDF download [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Analysis of national programmes on HIV and drug control July 2010
Accessibility of HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care Services for People who Use Drugs and Incarcerated People in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Legislative and Policy Analysis and Recommendations for Reform – Download PDF report [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, UNODC]
Legislative and Policy Barriers to Needle & Syringe Programs July 2010
The Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) has developed this position paper with a view to providing a national overview of the legislative and policy barriers which currently restrict access to Needle & Syringe Programs (NSPs) and new injecting equipment for PWIDs [Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League]
IHRA releases 2007 – 2009 programme evaluation report July 2010
The evaluation was funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), and was concluded in December 2009 [IHRA]
New UNAIDS OUTLOOK report 2010 launched July 2010
Ahead of the XVIII International AIDS Conference to be held in Vienna from 18 – 23 July, UNAIDS has launched its OUTLOOK Report 2010 in Geneva [UNAIDS]
Strategy to halt and reverse the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Asia and the Pacific July 2010
The regional strategy, – A strategy to halt and reverse the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Asia and the Pacific 2010-2015, is a roadmap for Member States, Civil Society and Development Agencies on how to successfully address the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Asia and the Pacific [UNODC]
The Australian Needle and Syringe Program Survey July 2010
This report presents national, state and territory data for the period 2005 to 2009 [National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research The University of New South Wales, Australia]
Deadly disregard June 2010
Government refusal to implement evidence-based measures to prevent HIV and hepatitis C virus infections in prisons [CMAJ, Canada]
Is it time for a supervised injecting facility for Melbourne? June 2010
Research conducted by the Burnet Institute and commissioned by the Yarra Drug & Health Forum in Collingwood provides clear evidence of the public health benefits of establishing a supervised injecting facility in Melbourne – Report PDF [Burnet Institute, Australia]
The report notes that such operations continue to be funded without appropriate safeguards despite the fact that the abolition of the death penalty is a requirement of entry into the Council of Europe and the European Union and that the United Nations advocates strongly against capital punishment 2.7 MB PDF [IHRA]
This bulletin summarises information on people visiting the Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme and relates to the twelve-month period ending 31 March 2010 PDF [INEF, Ireland]
Problem drug use and safeguarding children: a multi agency approach June 2010
This chapter explores the social context in which ‘problem drug users’ and ‘inadequate parents’ are constructed … key issues and difficulties involved in working with problem drug users whose children are considered to be at risk of abuse or neglect [Julian Buchanan, Glyndwr University, UK]
“Three Cents a day is not enough June 2010
Resourcing HIV-related Harm Reduction on a Global Basis [International Harm Reduction Association]
Protection from illicit drugs – a child rights issue June 2010
Protecting children from illicit drugs is not an option for State Parties to the Convention of the Rights of the Child. It is an obligation. This is the conclusion in a report that was presented at the World Forum Against Drugs in Stockholm [Alcohol Drugs and Development, Norway / Sweden]
Coming Clean: Combating drug misuse in prisons June 2010
This report contends that there are a series of fundamental problems with the way these issues are approached – and that despite repeated warning signs, the Prison Service appears destined to continue down the same failed path – PDF [Policy Exchange, UK]
Supporting All Women and Girls June 2010
As part of the White House Council on Women and Girls, ONDCP released its first report detailing programs, policies, and initiatives that are aimed at supporting women, both within our workforce and in communities everywhere [ONDCP, USA]
AIVL has developed this position paper with a view to providing a national overview of the legislative and policy barriers which currently restrict access to Needle & Syringe Programs (NSPs) and new injecting equipment for PWIDs [Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League]
Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign May 2010
Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) has announced a new partnership with the Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign (NDC) offering Drug Action Week organisers the ability to order free NDC promotional material [Australian Government]
Time for a fresh look at drug policy governance May 2010
Lancet Editorial ACMD (17 April 2010) – Response from the [UK Drug Policy Commission]
National guidelines for services providing injecting equipment May 2010
Guidelines for services providing injecting equipment: Best practice recommendations for commissioners and injecting equipment provision (IEP) services in Scotland [Scottish Government, UK]
Provisional Information on the provision of injecting equipment in Scotland, 2008/09 May 2010
This survey, carried out by ISD as part of the Hepatitis C action plan, collected information on Injecting Equipment Providers (IEPs) in Scotland for financial year 2008/09 and the 6 month period April to September 2009/10 PDF [ISD Scotland]
Colin Mair on Community Resilience – Video May 2010
Budget Scenario – Threat or Opportunity [FEAD, UK]
Alcohol and Drugs – a Question of Architecture May 2010
A systems mapping approach to how Scotland can reduce the damage to its population through alcohol and drugs by half by 2025 [Scotland’s Futures Forum]
IHRA launches ‘The Death Penalty for Drug Offences: Global Overview 2010’ report May 2010
The report is the first detailed country by country overview of the death penalty for drugs, monitoring both national legislation and state practice of enforcement [IHRA]
The Role of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Road Deaths and Serious Injuries May 2010
This report outlines the impact of drug use on road deaths and injuries and outlines a number of strategies that are currently being implemented to minimise and reduce the number of drivers who consume drugs [DrugInfo Clearinghouse, Australia]
Canadian Court of Appeal upholds supervised injection site’s right to operate May 2010
North America’s first supervised injection facilty, was a provincial undertaking that did not undermine the federal goals of protecting health or eliminating the market that drives drugrelated offences. As such, the Court held that the drug possession and trafficking provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) did not apply to Insite. Download [International Yearbook on Human Rights and Drug Policy]
Italian goverment’s position on harm reduction raises opposition among the NGOs April 2010
During the negotiations on the EU resolution in view of CND 2010, the Italian government tried to challenge the European wide position on Harm Reduction. NGOs statement PDF [IDPC]
IHRA launches ‘What is Harm Reduction’ briefing, in 11 different languages April 2010
English version here [IHRA]
‘The Global State of Harm Reduction 2010 April 2010
Key Issues for Broadening the Response’ 10MB report [IHRA]
Revisiting the AACCE profile in the North West of England Results from NDTMS in 2008/09 April 2010
One of the central themes of the AACCE hypothesis is that the use of non-opiate substances amongst young people in contact with treatment indicates shifting substance use patterns that will eventually impact on adult services as these individuals mature [Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, UK]
This report examines the ways in which multilaterals are currently engaging civil society groups working on harm reduction in international policy, including the engagement of leading non-governmental organisations and the involvement of affected communities [IHRA]
Indigenous specific alcohol and other drug interventions April 2010
A report identifying the areas of greatest need to address harmful Indigenous drug and alcohol use [NIDAC, Australia]
National Hep C Strategy April 2010
hird National Hepatitis C Strategy 2010-2013 [Hepatitis NSW, Australia]
National Hep B Strategy April 2010
National Hepatitis B Strategy 2010-2013 [Hepatitis NSW, Australia]
National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Blood Borne Virus Strategy April 2010
Third National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2010–2013.[Hepatitis NSW, Australia]
IHRA launches ‘3 Cents’ report April 2010
IHRA’s new ‘3 cents’ report shows the small amount of money being invested in harm reduction [IHRA]
CUT – What else are people eating, snorting and injecting when they take illegal drugs? April 2010
A Guide to the Adulterants, Bulking agents and other Contaminants found in illicit drugs [Centre for Public Health, UK]
Harm reduction: evidence, impacts and challenges April 2010
The EMCDDA’s 10th scientific monograph, entitled Harm reduction: evidence, impacts and challenges provides a comprehensive overview of the harm reduction field. 3.9MB PDF [EMCDDA]
This guidance takes the local community as the starting point of its approach to dealing with drug and alcohol problems. Its focus is not only on meeting national priorities, but about making a difference at a local level [Home Office, UK]
The Role of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Road Deaths and Serious Injuries April 2010
This paper examines the impact of alcohol and other drug use, including various pharmaceuticals, on road deaths and injuries. It also outlines a number of strategies that are currently being implemented to minimise and reduce the number of drivers who consume drugs [Australian Drug Foundation]
Methadone is key to effective drug treatment April 2010
As a group of experts in the treatment of opiate-dependent people, we write to express our dismay about the continuing misrepresentation in the media of the evidence on the effectiveness of methadone treatment [The Scotsman, UK]
Consideration of the cathinones April 2010
Report from the [Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, UK]
Risk assessment of new psychoactive substances — operating guidelines April 2010
The principal aim of these guidelines is to put in place a sound methodological and procedural basis for carrying out each risk assessment, by using a semi-quantitative assessment procedure [EMCDDA]
Human Rights and Drug Policy March 2010
Briefings for the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs [Open Society Institute]
Parliamentary Handbook on HIV and AIDS February 2010
Drug abuse is a predisposing factor in HIV transmission because it impairs judgment, often leading to risky sexual behavior. Injecting drug use involving the use of needles and syringes carries even greater risks [Cambodian Parliament]
Young people’s treatment at the crossroads February 2010
The drug and alcohol treatment system needs to be more flexible if it is to effectively meet the needs of older teenagers and young adults developing substance misuse problems, according to a new DrugScope report [DrugScope, UK]
Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research: Report to the California Legislature February 2010
As a result of the vision and foresight of the California State Legislature Medical Marijuana Research Act (SB847), the CMCR has successfully conducted the first clinical trials of smoked cannabis in the United States in more than 20 years [ Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, USA]
Dangers of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy: medics ask for more training February 2010
A new study has found that doctors and nurses believe they need more training and resources to help them talk to pregnant women about the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Summary – Full Report [Alcohol Healthwatch, New Zealand]
Anthrax – Information for Health Professionals February 2010
[Health Protection Agency, UK]
Anthrax – Advice for heroin users February 2010
[Health Protection Agency, UK]
Under the Skin: A People’s Case for Prison Needle and Syringe Programs February 2010
What do people in prison have to say about the Canadian government’s unwillingness to permit the distribution of clean needles in prison? How has this policy, that denies the realities of injection drug use in prison, affected individuals who are struggling with drug addiction? And what does this mean for the community as a whole? PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Drugs, Homelessness & Health: Homeless Youth Speak Out About Harm Reduction January 2010
The Shout Clinic Harm Reduction Report, 2010 [Wellesley Institute, Canada]
2009
Adult family members and carers of dependent drug users – full report November 2009
The full 55-page PDF report by Prof. Alex Copello, Lorna Templeton and Dr Jane Powell [UKDPC]
HIV testing and counselling in prisons and other closed settings November 2009
This position statement aims to ensure: That people held in prisons and other closed settings are not left out of efforts to scale up access to HIV testing and counselling, as part of broader efforts to scale up access to comprehensive and evidence-based HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for prisoners [UNODC / WHO]
Legislative Innovation in Drug Policy November 2009
This briefing summarizes good practices in legislative reforms around the world, representing steps away from a repressive zero-tolerance model towards a more evidence-based and humane drug policy. Full 20-page PDF [TNI via IHRA]
From corrections to the community October 2009
A set of indicators of the health of Australia’s prisoners [AIHW, Australia]
Document Collection on Overdose October 2009
This collection brings together [50] documents that provide the best information on overdose and overdose prevention [IHRA]
Shooting Up: Infections among injecting drug users in the United Kingdom 2008 October 2009
A 32-page PDF update [Health Protection Agency, UK]
Needle & Syringe Program Return on Investment Study October 2009
The study seeks to analyse the effectiveness of needle and syringe programs in preventing transmission of HIV, and hepatitis C (HCV) in Australia from 1991 (that is from when NSPs were well established in all jurisdictions except Tasmania) to the end of 2000. 166-page PDF Summary report [Department of Health, Australia]
Needle and Syringe Program November 2009
Return on investment 2: evaluating the cost-effectiveness of needle and syringe programs in Australia 2009 [DoH, Australia]
Return on Investment 2 October 2009
A evaluation report published by Commonwealth Department of Health, conducted by a team of investigators at the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. 2MB PDF [Australian Government]
Needle and syringe programmes October 2009
Needle and syringe programmes: providing people who inject drugs with injecting equipment [NICE, UK]
Evidence for the effectiveness and cost–effectiveness of interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm September 2009
The WHO European Region has the highest proportion of total ill health and premature death caused by alcohol in the world. The effectiveness of alcohol policies in reducing this harm has been evaluated mainly in North America and northern Europe, but the general principles are applicable across societies and countries 2MB PDF [WHO]
Handbook for action to reduce alcohol-related harm
Every country in the WHO European Region has some form of alcohol action plan. This handbook helps them review, adjust or strengthen their plans to further reduce the harm caused by alcohol 538KB PDF [WHO]
IHRA Release Position Statement Defining Harm Reduction September 2009
After months of discussion and consultation with partners, the Board of Directors and staff have released a detailed position statement defining the term ‘harm reduction’ [International Harm Reduction Association]
New IHRA Report: From Evidence to Action September 2009
Among the many notable events happening in and around Harm Reduction 2009: IHRA’s 20th International Conference in Bangkok were the highly publicised keynote speeches by Professor Michel Kazatchkine (Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria) and Craig McClure (Executive Director of the International AIDS Society) [International Harm Reduction Association]
Untreatable or just hard to treat? September 2009
Results of the Randomised Injectable Opioid Treatment Trial (RIOTT) [King’s Health Partners, UK]
The Victorian Drug Statistics Handbook September 2009
Patterns of drug use and related harm in Victoria for the period July 2006 to June 2007. 288-page PDF [Mental Health and Drugs Division Department of Human Services (Victoria), Australia]
Under the influence – the damaging effect of alcohol marketing on young people September 2009
This report examines the damaging effect of alcohol marketing on young people. It aims to identify effective ways of protecting young people from the influence of alcohol promotion and marketing, thereby redressing the excessively pro-alcohol social norms to which they are exposed. 58-page PDF [BMA, UK]
Blueprint drugs education: the response of pupils and parents to the programme September 2009
This executive summary (which comes from the final report), focuses on the second stage of the Blueprint evaluation. It sets out to assess how pupils and parents responded to the programme, pupils’ awareness and knowledge of drug use, their perception of drug use and acceptability of drug use among same-age peers, and the quality and frequency of parent-child communication on drugs [Home Office, UK]
Doing Better for Children September 2009
This unique report was commissioned by the Scottish Recovery Network and is the result of a long-standing project to investigate carers’ perspectives of recovery and experiences supporting recovery. 47-page PDF [Scottish Recovery Network, UK]
FEAD (Film Exchange on Alcohol and Drugs) August 2009
A resource that brings short video presentations from leading figures in the alcohol and drugs field direct to your screen. The contributors cover a range of topics honestly and directly – including: achievements, problem areas, and reflections on the field’s history. Many people have found the website useful in helping discussions and expanding on practice and theory. Please feel free to use the material to enrich your events, seminars, groups, teaching etc
A comprehensive review of international and national research and literature in order to: Identify and document best practice with regard to primary and secondary prevention of substance use (completed in part 1) – Identify and document the range and levels of current programmes, strategies, interventions and resources available for parents in this regard (completed in part 2). 50-page PDF [Crosscare, Ireland]
Drug policy reform in practice August 2009
This article provides an overview of European drug policy practices regarding harm reduction, decriminalization of consumption and possession, and more tolerant policies towards cannabis, particularly in The Netherlands and several states in the US. 19-page PDF [TNI, Netherlands & Nueva Sociedad]
Effective weed control August 2009
A guide for people trying to cut down or stop using cannabis. 53-page PDF [Turning Point, Australia]
Preventing Overdose, Saving Lives August 2009
Strategies for Combating a National Crisis. 24-page PDF [Drug Policy Alliance, USA]
Harm Reduction in Prison: The Moldova Model July 2009
This report focuses on the introduction of harm reduction programmes in Moldovan prisons and describes successes achieved as well as remaining challenges. 70-page PDF [IDPC]
Delivering effective needle and syringe programmes presentations now available July 2009
Presentations and notes from this conference, held on 1 July 2009, are now available [NTA, UK]
Discussion Forum: Supervised Injection Site Evaluative Research June 2009
Despite the wealth of research conducted to date, questions continue to arise regarding aspects of Insite’s operations and impact, the level of evidence deemed sufficient to support various courses of action, and the next steps and longer-term plans necessary to best meet the needs of the target population. 11-page PDF [CCSA, Canada]
Assessing Parolees’ Health Care Needs and Potential Access to Health Care Services in California June 2009
Health Care Needs Are High, but Mental Health and Drug Treatment Needs Are Even Higher [RAND, USA]
Overdose Prevention and Response June 2009
A Guide for People Who Use Drugs and Harm Reduction Staff in Eastern Europe and Central Asia 86-page PDF [Open Society Institute, USA]
Preventing Overdose, Saving Lives June 2009
By expanding the availability of low-risk, low-cost overdose interventions and improving education and outreach for people at high risk of overdose, policymakers can help to prevent the tragic and unnecessary loss of life. 24-page PDF [DPA, USA]
Understanding the Public Health Implications of Prisoner Reentry in California June 2009
Examining the demographic and health profiles of the prison population shows that it is disproportionately sicker on average than the U.S. population in general, with substantially higher rates of infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B and C), serious mental illness, and substance abuse disorders. 220-page PDF [RAND, USA]
A national physician survey on prescribing syringes as an HIV prevention measure June 2009
Physicians within their medical practice have an important opportunity to intervene in substance abuse behavior on an individual level. Prescribing syringes to IDUs should figure among such interventions because it can help prevent the transmission of bloodborne disease and enhance overall IDU care27-page PDF [Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, USA]
The Effects of Substance Use on Workplace Injuries June 2009
This paper describes associations between substance use and occupational injuries and proposes reasons that substance use may be linked to work-related accidents. 55-page PDF [RAND, USA]
Clean Switch: The Case for Prison Needle and Syringe Programs in Canada June 2009
This paper outlines the available evidence and the legal rationale, under federal Canadian and international human rights law, for Canada to implement PNSPs without delay. 44-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation June 2009
This examination looked at all the main publicly-funded treatment and rehabilitation services provided for persons with addiction to illegal drugs. In particular, it looked at the extent to which the demand for treatment and rehabilitation services is met, and the timeliness of access to treatment. It also looked at the extent to which the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation services are evaluated, and the effectiveness of the arrangements for coordination of treatment and rehabilitation at an individual case level, and nationally. 96-page PDF [Comptroller and Auditor General, Ireland]
Measuring the harm from illegal drugs June 2009
A summary of the Drug Harm Index 2006 [Home Office, UK]
Australian Guidelines: To reduce health risks from drinking alcohol June 2009
These 2009 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines aim to establish the evidence base for future policies and community materials on reducing the health risks that arise from drinking alcohol. 179-pagePDF [NHMRC, Australia]
No reason to deny hepatitis C treatment to methadone patients June 2009
Methadone patients stick with therapy for hepatitis C disease and do as well as other patients, bolstering the case for drug services to encourage clients to consider diagnostic testing and therapy [Drug and Alcohol Findings, UK]
It’s their own fault for doing drugs May 2009
Inaugural Professorial Lecture May 2009 – This lecture explored the negative impact of the war on drugs upon drug users [Professor Julian Buchanan, Glyndwr University, Wales, UK]
Why are the rates of hepatitis higher in Aboriginal injecting drug users. Part 1 May 2009
[Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League]
Why are the rates of hepatitis higher in Aboriginal injecting drug users. Part 2 May 2009
[Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League]
Drug Use, Sex Work and the Risk Environment in Dublin May 2009
The physical, economic and social environments within which drug-using sex workers find themselves impact on their construction of ‘risk’ and ‘harm’. 208-page PDF [NACD, Ireland]
Needle and syringe programmes March 2009
Needle and syringe programmes: providing people who inject drugs with injecting equipment [National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, UK]
Harm Reduction and Human Rights January 2009
This report provides a concise overview of the global situation in terms of drug-related HIV epidemics worldwide, with a particular focus on the regions of Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub Saharan Africa. 26-page PDF [IHRA]
Needle Exchange Provision in Ireland January 2009
The Context, Current Levels of Service Provision and Recommendations A 52-page PDF Joint Report by the [National Drugs Strategy Team and National Advisory Committee on Drugs]
2008
Guidance on standards for the establishment and operation of drug consumption rooms in the UK December 2008
This report provides essential guidance for local multi-agency partnerships that are contemplating establishing and operating a drug consumption room (DCR) in the UK [Joseph Rowntree Foundation, UK]
New guidance – Good practice in harm reduction October 2008
The 36-page PDF guide will help service providers and commissioners improve harm reduction service for drug users [NTA, UK]
Global State of Harm Reduction 2008 [May 2008]
Mapping the response to drug-related HIV and hepatitis C epidemics. Full report 6MB PDF [IHRA]
Public Order and Supervised Injection Facilities [April 2008]
Vancouver’s SIS. 29-page OPDF [Neil Boyd, J. Bryan Kinney, Carla McLean, Jon Heidt and Isabel Otter, Canada]
Harm Reduction Developments 2008 [April 2008]
Countries with Injection-Driven HIV Epidemics. 84- page PDF [Open Society Institute]
Pre 2008
Monograph #6 A systematic review of harm reduction [December 2005]
This monograph (No. 06) reports on the systematic review of harm reduction. Harm reduction was defined as policies and interventions that focus on reducing the harms associated with drug use, not the amount of drug used. The following interventions were reviewed: needle syringe programs; supervised injecting facilities; non-injecting routes of administration; outreach; HIV education and information and HIV testing and counselling; brief interventions (aimed at harm reduction); overdose prevention interventions and legal and regulatory frameworks. There is substantial evidentiary support for NSP – as an efficacious, effective and cost-effective intervention. There is also good evidentiary support for outreach. The other harm reduction interventions (supervised injecting facilities, non-injecting routes of administration, overdose prevention, and brief interventions) do not currently have a sufficiently large body of research knowledge to draw strong conclusions. There is little evidence for HIV education and information and HIV testing and counselling as behaviour change interventions.
New Zealand Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme Review [2005]
The Centre for Harm Reduction was commissioned to review New Zealand’s Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) in March 2002 to assess whether the NSEP is working in the most effective and efficient way possible within available resources. The report includes recommendations for action to improve the effectiveness of needle exchange services in New Zealand
Burnet Institute
Harm Reduction for IDU’s in Vietnam [2005]
A situation assessment detailing the National AIDS Standing Bureau, Vietnam and the Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research project aimed at increasing institutional capacity to respond to the current HIV epidemic among injecting drug users and to develop effective, sustainable and culturally appropriate harm reduction interventions.
Burnet Institute
The Vietnamese Harm Reduction Project: Stage 2 [2005]
Report on the Stage 2 project, undertaken as a continuation of the original The Vietnamese Harm Reduction and IDU project. Stage 2 provided an opportunity to build on and expand earlier research findings and respond to some of the questions and issues raised by the former project. Findings from the former project indicated that patterns of drug use amongst the heroin users of Vietnamese ethnicity in the study differed significantly from Anglo-Australian users, typically found in the literature [Burnet Institute]
Economic Evaluation of Hepatitis C [August 2005]
The Australian Government and State and Territory Governments have committed to a variety of harm reduction, prevention and education initiatives in order to mitigate the spread of hepatitis C and other blood borne viruses. About 90% of incident cases of hepatitis C occur amongst injecting drug users (IDUs). This report is an economic evaluation of programs to control the hepatitis C epidemic [The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing]
Needle and syringe program policy and guidelines for NSW [2005]
This document outlines the broad operational guidelines for Needle and Syringe Programs. It is intended as a framework within which Area Health Services can develop detailed operational guidelines appropriate to their own setting [NSW Department of Health, Australia]
Pointing the Way: Harm Reduction in Kyrgyz Republic [May 2005]
Unlike many countries in the former Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan has responded to the spread of HIV infection with an aggressive plan to reduce health risks associated with drug use, including measures to protect those unable or unwilling to stop injecting drugs
International Harm Reduction Development Program
Harm reduction policies and programs for persons involved in the criminal justice system [May 2005]
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), May, 2005
Protecting the Human Rights of Injecting Drug Users: The Impact of HIV and AIDS [February 2005]
Compiling statements given at the 2004 session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, this IHRD-produced volume argues that unduly strict interpretation of UN drug control treaties undermines HIV prevention efforts by discouraging countries from implementing effective, realistic, and compassionate public health policies
International Harm Reduction Development Program
Providing access to and encouraging utilization of sterile needles and syringes for IDUs is now generally considered to be a fundamental component of any comprehensive and effective HIV-prevention programme. [World Health Organization 2004]
The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004: Changes and Challenges [2004]
Published by Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
Evaluation of the Supervised Injection Site – Year One Summary [2004]
BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, September 17, 2004
Status Paper on Prisons, Drugs and Harm Reduction [2004]
The Status Paper on Prisons, Drugs and Harm Reduction was adopted at the WHO International Meeting on Prisons and Health in De Leeuwenhorst, the Netherlands on 22 October 2004.
WHO
Lessons Not Learned: Human Rights Abuses and HIV/AIDS in the Russian Federation [2004]
This 62-page report documents how harsh drug policies and routine police harassment of injection drug users—the population hit hardest by AIDS in Russia—impedes their access or makes them afraid to seek basic HIV-prevention services such as syringe exchange, which is available in other countries around the world
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: D1605 April 28, 2004
A review of the evidence-base for harm reduction approaches to drug use [2003]
This overview addresses both understandings of harm reduction and summarises its key principles before going on to consider the strength and nature of the evidence of the effectiveness of various forms of ‘harm reduction’ intervention. In doing so, some consideration is also given to criticisms of harm reduction that are occasionally encountered
Neil Hunt, contributions from Mike Ashton, Simon Lenton, Luke Mitcheson, Bill Nelles and Gerry Stimson Forward Thinking on Drugs 2003
Manual for Reducing Drug Related Harm in Asia (2003) [2003]
This Manual contains the accumulated experience of over decade of attempts to change policy and implement programs to stop HIV and other harms among drug users, collected over several years from many countries in Asia
Burnet Institute
Injecting Reason: Human Rights and HIV Prevention for Injection Drug Users California: A Case Study [2003]
Government interference with sterile syringe programs is thwarting HIV prevention efforts in California
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: G1502 September 9, 2003
Fanning the Flames: How Human Rights Abuses are Fueling the AIDS Epidemic in Kazakhstan [2003]
Human rights abuse against injection drug users and sex workers in Kazakhstan is fueling one of the fastest growing AIDS epidemics in the world
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: D1504 June 30, 2003
Locked Doors: The Human Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS in China [2003]
Widespread discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS is fueling the spread of the epidemic in China. This 94-page report is based on more than 30 interviews with people with HIV/AIDS, police officers, drug users, and AIDS outreach workers in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Yunnan province
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: C1507 September 3, 2003
Abusing the User: Police Misconduct, Harm Reduction and HIV/AIDS in Vancouver [2003]
An anti-drug crackdown by the Vancouver Police Department has driven injection drug users away from life-saving HIV prevention services, raising fears of a new wave of HIV transmission in the city that is already home to the worst AIDS crisis in the developed world
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: 1502B May 7, 2003
Reducing the harm of drugs [2003]
Some have perceived a contradiction between drug prevention and treatment on the one hand and efforts to reduce the negative health and social consequences of drug use on the other. However, in a new discussion paper, UNODC says that these are in fact complementary rather than contradictory [UNODC]
International law tackles harm reduction [2002]
It has emerged from a legal study published by the Pompidou Group (1), some extracts of which are given below, that harm reduction strategies can sometimes be in contradiction with the international drug control laws. Two experimental harm reduction strategies have come up against legal barriers in this way: drug testing at rave parties and the medical prescription of heroin for relapsed drug users
Professor Brice de Ruyver University of Gand, Belgium 2002
Dependent on Rights: Assessing Treatment of Drug Dependence from a Human Rights Perspective
Social attitudes toward, and criminalization of, people who use illegal drugs have apparently influenced the practice and policy of treatment for drug dependence in many countries. The already precarious human rights situation of people who use drugs is compounded by the inability of a large percentage of them to receive humane, effective, timely and affordable treatment for their addiction. 46-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Sticking Points: Barriers to Access to Needle and Syringe Programs in Canada
Barriers persist that prevent people who use drugs from free access to sufficient sterile injection equipment. 47-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Harm Reduction Policies and Programs for Persons of Aboriginal Descent
A 20-page document created to inform the implementation of policies and programs for reducing harm associated with substance abuse by people of aboriginal descent [CCSA/CCLAT, Canada]
International Human Rights Jurisprudence on Issues Relating to Drug Use and Harm Reduction
Commissioned by the Open Society Institute Law and Health Initiative, this research paper reviews jurisprudence from treaty-monitoring bodies of the United Nations and selected regional and national human rights courts that can be used to advocate for the human rights of people who use drugs. 24-page PDF [Open Society Institute, USA]
HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, Treatment and Support in Prison Settings
A Framework for an Effective National Response. 50-page PDF [WHO/UNAIDS]
This 57-page PDF report found that routine police harassment and arrest – as well as the lasting effects of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s 2003 drug war – keeps drug users from receiving lifesaving HIV information and services that Thailand has pledged to provide [Human Rights Watch]
AIDS in South Asia: Understanding and Responding to a Heterogeneous Epidemic
A 131-page PDF report analyzing South Asia’s HIV/AIDS epidemic and offering recommendations for halting its spread [World Bank, UNODC]
Return on Investment in Needle and Syringe Programs in Australia – Report
The study updates and expands a study previously undertaken by Hurley, Jolley and Kaldor which investigated the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of needle and syringe programs in relation to HIV/AIDS
The Vietnamese Injecting Drug Use & Harm Reduction Study: Stage 1
In 1995, the Centre for Harm Reduction conducted a collaborative, exploratory study, the VIDU study, as the beginning of a program of research, specifically targeting Vietnamese IDUs. The study was the first of its kind in Victoria, Australia and the first to document extremely high rates of HCV in this group
Burnet Institute
Capacity Building for IDUs India
Report on capacity building for HIV prevention among injecting drug users
Burnet Institute
Needle Exchange Provision in Scotland
A Report of the National Needle Exchange Survey [NHS – Scotland, UK]
Position paper – Australian National Council on Drugs
WHO Releases Report On Role In Supporting 3 By 5 Initiative
The report – which follows the release of a 2005 report that says WHO missed its 3 by 5 Initiative target – identifies future collaboration opportunities between WHO and partners and gives recommendations for the “way forward” [WHO]
Substitution maintenance therapy in the management of opioid dependence and HIV/AIDS prevention
WHO/UNODC/UNAIDS position paper
Evidence for Action on HIV/AIDS and Injecting Drug Use
5 Policy briefs [WHO]
The Report of the Independent Working Group on Drug Consumption Rooms
A detailed examination of whether Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) should be introduced in the UK [JRF, UK]
Legislating for Health and Human Rights: Model Law on Drug Use and HIV/AIDS
Many countries with injection-driven HIV/AIDS epidemics continue to emphasize criminal enforcement of drug laws over public health approaches, thereby missing or even hindering effective responses to HIV/AIDS. There is considerable evidence that numerous interventions to prevent HIV transmission and reduce other harms associated with injection drug use are feasible, effective as public health measures and cost-effective [Aidslaw, Canada]
Preventing HIV Infection among Injecting Drug Users in High Risk Countries
An Assessment of the Evidence – a free online publication authored by the Board on Global Health (BGH) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) [National Academic Press, USA]
Monitoring Drug Policy Outcomes: The Measurement of Drug Related Harm
This latest Report from the Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme looks at the various attempts by governments and academic institutions to develop a methodology for assessing and measuring the level of drug related harm, in order to better understand the impact of illegal drug use on society, and of policies and programmes that aim to reduce that impact
Closed to Reason: The International Narcotic Board and HIV/AIDS
A 37-page report arguing that the International Narcotics Board hampers efforts to address the HIV epidemic among injecting drug users [Policy Pointers Worldwide]
Hepatitis C in prisons is a public health crisis tied to current drug policy’s emphasis on the mass incarceration of drug users. Prison policy acts as a barrier to hepatitis C care by limiting medical care for the infected, especially drug users, and by inhibiting public health measures addressing the epidemic [SSRN / University of California, Los Angeles – School of Law, USA]
How Effective is Micro Harm Reduction in Reducing Macro Harm?
MacCoun (1996) distinguishes between micro and macro harm reduction and notes that reducing micro harm (harm per unit of use) may or may not reduce macro (aggregate) harm depending on its effect on use. We present a simple model that relates micro and macro harm through five parameters: price, quantity, elasticity of demand, elasticity of supply, and the social cost of drug use. Parameterizing the relationship for the US cocaine market in 1992 suggests that about 75% of the apparent benefit of reducing micro harm experienced by users would be offset by increases in use. This suggests that reducing micro harm experienced by users has merit but that reducing the costs drugs impose on non-users may merit greater attention, since reducing those costs carries no risk of being offset by increases in use
Jonathan P. Caulkins Carnegie Mellon, Heinz School
HIV/AIDS and Drug Misuse in Russia: Harm Reduction Programmes and the Russian Legal System
Professor Butler’s report breaks new ground in the HIV/AIDS prevention literature by reviewing harm reduction initiatives and programmes in the context of Russian and international law.
International Family Health
Lessons from a Comprehensive Review of International Evidence and Experience 109-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Ukraine: Anti-AIDS Efforts Undermined by Rights Abuses
The 84-page report, “Rhetoric and Risk: Human Rights Abuses Impeding Ukraine’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS,” documents how draconian drug laws and routine police abuse of injection drug users – the population hardest hit by HIV/AIDS in Ukraine – keep them from receiving lifesaving HIV information and services that the government has pledged to provide [Human Rights watch, USA]
Prescribing heroin: what is the evidence?
Until recently, the UK was the only country in the world that allowed doctors to prescribe heroin for the treatment of opiate dependence. The Government wants heroin prescribing to increase and to be made available to all those who have a clinical need for it. This report, by Gerry Stimson and Nicky Metrebian from the Centre for Research on Drugs and Health Behaviour at Imperial College, looks at the reasons for international interest in prescribing heroin. It critically examines the research, clinical, political and practical challenges to expanding heroin prescribing in the UK
Gerry V. Stimson and Nicky Metrebian Joseph Rowntree Foundation (ISBN 1 85935 082 8)
Key documents on HIV prevention and care for Injecting Drug Users
The (Australian) National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre has recently assessed the top 50 papers on harm reduction and HIV. Eighteen topics were covered [International Harm Reduction Association]
Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS
Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS: focus on progress over the past 12 months – Report of the Secretary-Genera. 23-page PDF l [United Nations]
Dependent on Rights: Assessing Treatment of Drug Dependence from a Human Rights Perspective
Social attitudes toward, and criminalization of, people who use illegal drugs have apparently influenced the practice and policy of treatment for drug dependence in many countries. The already precarious human rights situation of people who use drugs is compounded by the inability of a large percentage of them to receive humane, effective, timely and affordable treatment for their addiction. 46-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
HIV/AIDS in prisons in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union
This info sheet reviews what is known about HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C in prisons, with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. (28-page PDF) [Aidslaw, Canada]
Ukraine: Anti-AIDS Efforts Undermined by Rights Abuses
The 84-page report, “Rhetoric and Risk: Human Rights Abuses Impeding Ukraine’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS,” documents how draconian drug laws and routine police abuse of injection drug users – the population hardest hit by HIV/AIDS in Ukraine – keep them from receiving lifesaving HIV information and services that the government has pledged to provide [Human Rights watch, USA]
“Unlocking Potential: Making Prisons Safe for Everyone”
Report of the 8th European Conference of Drug and HIV/AIDS Services in Prison 149-page PDF [ENDIPP, Europe]
Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS
Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS: focus on progress over the past 12 months – Report of the Secretary-Genera. 23-page PDF l [United Nations]
Harm reduction approaches to injecting drug use
[WHO]
2014
Overdose Prevention, State by State (December 2014)
Updated Infographic (ONDCP)
Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland’s Alcohol Strategy (December 2014)
Fourth Annual Report (NHS Health Scotland)
Young people’s hospital alcohol pathways (December 2014)
Support pack for A&E departments (Public Health England)
Drug consumption rooms in Europe: Organisational overview (December 2014)
This report provides an overview of the organisation and working methods of drug consumption rooms in Europe (IDPC)
Comprehensive Harm Reduction Reverses the Trend in New HIV Infections (December 2014)
This summary records the birth and first 20 years of authorized syringe exchange programs (SEPs) in New York State (New York State Department of Health Aids Institute)
HRB drug and alcohol evidence review (December 2014)
The role of social and human capital in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction
Gaps in HIV prevention expose Europe to risk of outbreaks (December 2014)
Uneven investment in HIV prevention makes Europe vulnerable (EMCDDA)
Risk assessment of 4-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-amine (4,4′-dimethylaminorex, 4,4′-DMAR) (November 2014)
Concerns over the availability and use of this stimulant drug in the European Union led to an assessment of the health and social risks posed by the substance, and, consequently, its control across the EU Member States (EMCDDA)
Risk Assessment Report of a new psychoactive substance: 1-cyclohexyl-4-(1,2-diphenylethyl)piperazine (MT-45) (November 2014)
Concerns over the availability and use of this stimulant drug in the European Union led to an assessment of the health and social risks posed by the substance, and, consequently, its control across the EU Member States (EMCDDA)
Practical steps to eliminating hepatitis C: a consensus for London (November 2014)
The aim of this document is to reinforce the need for urgent leadership from the Department of Health, PHE and NHS England and concerted action from Local Authorities, Health and Wellbeing Boards, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and service providers to improve hepatitis C testing and treatment services in London for people with a history of using drugs – the group most affected by chronic hepatitis C – in order to find and treat significantly more people affected by the disease (London Joint Working Group on Substance Use and Hepatitis C)
Drugnet Europe 88 (November 2014)
Includes: Financing drug policy in Europe in the wake of the economic recession | Preventing opioid deaths — legal issues around the provision of naloxone (EMCDDA)
New psychoactive substances (November 2014)
A toolkit for substance misuse commissioners (Public Health England)
Pregnancy and opioid use: strategies for treatment (November 2014)
This paper reviews methadone, buprenorphine and slow-release oral morphine, used in a range of combinations with cognitive behavioural approaches and contingency management in order to identify the strengths of each medicine and method (EMCDDA)
Community management of opioid overdose (November 2014)
These guidelines recommend that people who are likely to witness an opioid overdose, including people who use opioids, and their family and friends should be given access to naloxone and training in its use so that they can respond to opioid overdose in an emergency if a medical response is not available (World Health Organization)
Time limiting opioid substitution therapy (November 2014)
Report to Lynne Featherstone in response to Norman Baker’s request for advice on whether opioid substitution therapy should be time limited (Government UK)
Shooting Up: infections among people who inject drugs in the UK (November 2014)
This report describes the extent of infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in the United Kingdom (Public Health England)
Community management of opioid overdose (November 2014)
These guidelines aim to reduce the number of deaths from opioid overdose by providing evidence-based recommendations on the availability of naloxone for people likely to witness an opioid overdose along with advice on the resuscitation and post-resuscitation care of opioid overdose in the community (WHO)
Naloxone Background (November 2014)
The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Law Enforcement Naloxone Toolkit is a clearinghouse of resources to support law enforcement agencies in establishing a naloxone program (BJA National Training and Technical Assistance Center)
Maintenance Opioid Agonist Therapy for Injection-Drug Users Associated with Lower Incidence of Hepatitis C (October 2014)
In a group of young users of injection drugs, recent maintenance opioid agonist therapy with methadone or buprenorphine for opioid use disorders, such as heroin addiction, was associated with a lower incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and may be an effective strategy to reduce injection-drug use and the resulting spread of HCV, according to a study published online by (JAMA Internal Medicine)
A very brief intervention for cannabis users in an emergency department setting (October 2014)
These preliminary results provide early support for the feasibility, acceptability, and possible efficacy of a VBI for cannabis users delivered in the ED setting (NCPIC)
Illicit drug markets in Ireland (October 2014)
Through in-depth research with people involved in the illicit drug market in Ireland, as drug users or sellers, as professionals responding to it or as residents affected by it, this research fills a significant knowledge gap in this important area of Irish drug policy (NACDA)
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and WalesAnnual Report 2013–14 (October 2014)
Includes Substance misuse services
Children living with parental alcohol abuse are being missed by system, report finds (October 2014)
A children’s commissioner report has found social services support for alcohol misuse is failing to look beyond the impact on the individual
Alcohol and the Developing Adolescent Brain (October 2014)
Evidence Review (Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems)
Overdose Prevention Services Upon Release from Prison: Best Practices from Scotland, Denmark, Italy and Spain (October 2014)
it is essential to close the gap between the prisons and community to ensure an equivalence of evidence-based treatment and care which includes comprehensive cover of overdose prevention and management programmes, as well as opiate substitution treatment (Eurasian Harm Reduction Network)
Single homelessness under the spotlight (October 2014)
16,402 people entering drug treatment with a housing problem or nowhere to live (Official blog of Public Health England)
NICE recommends nalmefene to help people reduce their dependence on alcohol (October 2014)
A drug that can help people who are dependent on alcohol to cut down on the amount they drink, has been recommended in final draft guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
European scientists to assess risks of new stimulant drug 4,4′-DMAR (September 2014)
The stimulant drug 4,4′-DMAR, is the fifth new drug to be risk assessed this year. To date, the substance has been linked to 31 deaths in the EU (EMCDDA)
Opioid substitution therapy protects against hepatitis C virus acquisition in people who inject drugs (September 2014)
An estimate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence and identification of associated risk and protective factors among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Sydney, New South Wales (MJA)
Prisons and health (September 2014)
Includes chapters on alcohol, cigarette and other drug use (WHO)
“Legal highs”: safe and legal “heavens”? (August 2014)
A study on the diffusion,knowledge and risk awareness of novel psychoactive drugs among students in the UK
Circular 014/2014: lawful supply of foil (August 2014)
Announces a change to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 regarding the lawful supply of foil by persons employed or engaged in the provision of drug treatment services (Government, UK)
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (August 2014)
Report by WHO
This is the first study to demonstrate that impressive reductions in HCV incidence can be achieved among PWID over a relatively short time period through high coverage of a combination of interventions (PLoS)
The Quality Principles: Standard Expectations of Care and Support in Drug and Alcohol Services (August 2014)
To ensure anyone looking to address their problem drug and/or alcohol use receives high-quality treatment and support that assists long-term, sustained recovery and keeps them safe from harm (Scottish Government)
Needle and syringe programmes coverage in the United States (August 2014)
There are currently 194 SSPs in 33 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Indian Nations (IDPC)
Expanded harm reduction provision achieves impressive reductions in HCV incidence among PWID in Scotland (August 2014)
Implementation of comprehensive harm reduction policies has achieved impressive reductions in incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Scotland (Aidsmap)
The safer management of controlled drugs (August 2014)
New regulations governing the management and use of controlled drugs came into force in April 2013 (Care Quality Commission)
Forensic early warning system (FEWS) annual report (August 2014)
Annual report on the Home Office forensic early warning system, which identifies new psychoactive substances in the UK (Home Office, UK)
Campaign launched to warn of risks of ‘legal’ highs (August 2014)
Radio, digital and mobile phone adverts are aimed at people aged 15 to 21 and warn them about the risks of taking the drugs (Home Office)
The EU-MADNESS project (August 2014)
The aims of the 24-month project which started on 1 April 2014 and is led by Professor Fabrizio Schifano, are: “to monitor, test, profile, and feed back into education and prevention knowledge relating to the types of NPS emerging in Europe, their associated characteristics and potential harms”
Aluminium foil for smoking drugs (August 2014)
A briefing for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs (Public Health England)
Hepatitis C Virus Infection Epidemiology among People Who Inject Drugs in Europe (August 2014)
A Systematic Review of Datafor Scaling Up Treatment and Prevention (PLOS ONE)
Study finds supervised injection sites in Ottawa to be a fiscally responsible harm reduction strategy (August 2014)
A new study has found that supervised injection sites are a fiscally responsible strategy for reducing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C in Ottawa (CSCS Ottawa)
Home Office approved kits for testing controlled substances (August 2014)
This circular provides advice on drug testing kits that have been approved for the purpose of testing substances suspected to be controlled drugs (Home Office)
Hepatitis C in the UK (August 2014)
The most recent national estimates suggest that around 214,000 individuals are chronically infected with hepatitis C (HCV) in the UK
Second seminar in PHE’s Evidence into Practice and Policy series (July 2014)
Delegates heard about the early background to NSP, the updated NSP guidance produced by NICE and support for implementation, and the implications of the guidance for different communities of professionals and service users (Public Health England)
World Hepatitis DayNew EMCDDA study published (July 2014)
New EMCDDA review on hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs in Europe (EMCDDA)
This guidance has been produced to aid all clinicians and other practitioners in the use of, and reduction of misuse of benzodiazepines (BZ) aimed at primary care (SMMGP)
Temazepan advice (July 2014)
Response to letter from Norman Baker requesting advice on temazepan from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)
Changing trends in drug use among gay men in London have not been matched by a re-positioning of harm reduction services to meet their needs (Sigma)
EMCDDA–Europol Joint Report on a new psychoactive substance: 4,4′-DMAR (July 2014)
In February 2014, the EMCDDA and Europol examined the available information on a new psychoactive substance, 4-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-amine (commonly known by the abbreviation 4,4′-DMAR). The two organisations concluded that sufficient information had been accumulated to merit the production of a Joint Report on 4,4′-DMAR as stipulated by Article 5.1 of the Council Decision (EMCDDA)
Childhood and Adolescent Pathways to Substance Use Disorders (July 2014)
The present report focuses on how biological, behavioural and social factors during the early developmental years play a role in later-life substance abuse, as well as in concurrent mental and physical health problems (Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse)
The Workplace as an AOD-Related Harm Prevention and Intervention Setting (July 2014)
Research has demonstrated that workplaces both contribute to and are impacted by employees’ alcohol and other drug use (NCETA)
Genetic predisposition to schizophrenia associated with increased use of cannabis (June 2014)
Although directly predicting only a small amount of the variance in cannabis use, these findings suggest that part of the association between schizophrenia and cannabis is due to a shared genetic aetiology (Nature)
A guide to estimating oral morphine equivalents (OME) in research (NDARC)
White House Summit on the Opioid Epidemic (June 2014)
Acting Director Michael Botticelli hosted Attorney General Eric Holder, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, Director of National Institute on Drug Abuse Dr. Nora Volkow, and two panels of experts to address the national epidemic of opioid abuse.(ONDCP)
Alcohol and Brain Damage in Adults: With reference to high-risk groups (May 2014)
This report calls for clinical commissioning groups to support services that provide specialist care for patients with alcohol-related brain damage (RCP)
Changing Lifestyles, Keeping Children Safe (May 2014)
An evaluation of the first Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) in care proceedings (FDAC Evaluation Team, Brunel University London)
Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs (May 2014)
This Command Paper is published in response to the Home Affairs Select Committee’s report Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs, published on 20 December 2013 (Government, UK)
Psychoactive substances regulatory action taken (May 2014)
Six psychoactive products are to be recalled from the market after they were found to pose more than a low risk of harm to the public (Ministry of Health, New Zealand)
The impacts of drug policy on young people: Romania (May 2014)
The information presented in this paper is drawn from the experiences of local service providers, young people who use drugs and a review of the available literature (IDPC)
Preventing drug-related deaths (April 2014)
Many of these deaths are preventable. This document provides a checklist for services and local areas that want to improve their practices in this area (Public Health England)
Alcohol and inequities (April 2014)
Guidance for addressing inequities in alcohol-related harm (WHO)
Alcohol minimum pricing report (April 2014)
This report investigates the potential impact and effectiveness of a minimum price regime in reducing harmful alcohol consumption (Ministry of Justice, New Zealand)
Evaluation of ESF Peer Mentoring (April 2014)
Many were entering the Peer Mentoring Project with long histories of major substance misuse (Welsh Government)
Interventions to reduce substance misuse among vulnerable young people (April 2014)
Review decision (NICE)
Opioid substitution therapy as a strategy to reduce deaths in prison: retrospective cohort study (April 2014)
Mortality of opioid-dependent prisoners was significantly lower while in receipt of OST (BMJ)
Emergency health consequences of cocaine use in Europe (April 2014)
A review of the monitoring of drug-related acute emergencies in 30 European countries (EMCDDA)
Limit spread of blood-borne viruses among steroid users (April 2014)
This includes ensuring easy access for those who inject image and performance enhancing drugs to voluntary confidential testing services for HIV and hepatitis and vaccination against hepatitis B, as well as to appropriate sterile injecting equipment through needle and syringe programmes.” (NICE)
Guidelines for the screening, care and treatment of persons with hepatitis c infection (April 2014)
These are the first guidelines dealing with hepatitis C treatment produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) and complement existing guidance on the prevention of transmission of bloodborne viruses, including HCV (WHO)
Drug-related infections (April 2014)
EMCDDA and ECDC facilitate sub-regional exchange of knowledge and best practice in monitoring and preventing drug-related infections
Opioid Auto-Injector Can Help Prevent Overdose Deaths (April 2014)
The Food and Drug Administration has made an important advance in helping to save lives when overdoses from drugs known as opioids occur: the approval of a drug that can actually reverse that overdose (FDA)
FDA approves new hand-held auto-injector to reverse opioid overdose (April 2014)
First naloxone treatment specifically designed to be given by family members or caregivers (FDA)
Methamphetamine (March 2014)
Fact vs. Fiction and Lessons from the Crack Hysteria (Open Society Foundations)
Guidelines for the identification and management of substance use and substance use disorders in pregnancy (March 2014)
These guidelines have been developed to enable professionals to assist women who are pregnant, or have recently had a child, and who use alcohol or drugs or who have a substance use disorder, to achieve healthy outcomes for themselves and their fetus or infant (WHO)
Dangerous synthetic drugs hit the EU market (March 2014)
Europol and the EMCDDA have issued today early-warning notifications about two synthetic drugs that have recently been linked to serious harms in the EU (EMCDDA)
European Initiative on Hepatitis C and Drug Use (Feb 2014)
Presentations from the policy meeting February 12th 2014
Methamphetamine: Fact vs. Fiction and Lessons from the Crack Hysteria (Feb 2014)
This new report reveals the extreme stigmatization of users and dangerous policy responses that are reminiscent of the crack hysteria in the 1980s and 1990s, which led to grossly misguided laws that accelerated mass incarceration in the United States (Open Society Foundations)
NBOMe compounds (Feb 2014)
This paper reviews the evidence of misuse and harm in relation to the NBOMe compounds, which has been considered by ACMD at meetings of the Novel Psychoactive Substances Committee in April 2013 and by the full Council in May and October 2013 (Government, UK)
Scotland’s First Harm Reduction Cafe (Feb 2014)
This report is intended to support anyone wanting to host a harm reduction cafe in their local area (Scottish Drugs Forum)
Irrespective of income, moderate drinkers were little affected by a minimum unit price of £0·45 in our model, with the greatest effects noted for harmful drinkers (The Lancet)
There is little evidence to suggest that the many recommendations which have been made in the past decade on how to reduce harms associated with khat are being implemented (Drug Science, Policy and Law)
Best practice portal (Feb 2014)
The Best practice portal is a resource for professionals, policymakers and researchers in the areas of drug-related prevention, treatment, harm reduction and social reintegration (EMCDDA)
Underage drinking in the UK: Changing trends, impact and interventions. A rapid evidence synthesis (Feb 2014)
The authors conclude that whilst the ED might be the best place to identify children and adolescents at risk of harm related to alcohol use it might not be the best place to deliver an intervention (International Journal of Drug Policy)
There was poor awareness of the Scottish National Naloxone Programme in participants. Results indicated GPs did not currently feel sufficiently skilled or knowledgeable to be involved in naloxone provision. Appropriate training was identified as a key requirement (BMC Family Practice)
Four new drugs go under the microscope in the wake of rising health concerns (Jan 2014)
Europe has responded to rising concern over the use of four new drugs by formally requesting a scientific investigation into the health and social risks of the substances. The decision was communicated to the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) by the Council of the EU today, in line with a legal procedure designed to respond to potentially harmful new psychoactive drugs in the EU (EMCDDA)
This study shows a statistical association between the reclassification of cannabis and hospital admissions for cannabis psychosis in the opposite direction to that predicted by the presumed relationship between the two (International Journal of Drug Policy)
Cannabis Withdrawal (Jan 2014)
Nabiximols as an Agonist Replacement Therapy (MedicalResearch.com)
The Harms of Drug Use: Criminalisation, Misinformation,and Stigma (Jan 2014)
Report argues that where harms that may surround illicit drug use are numerous,it is laws and policies, along with their justificatory social constructions and stigmas,that are responsible for driving and worsening many of these avoidable harms (Inpud, UK)
Drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users in Ireland (Jan 2014)
This update presents figures from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index (NDRDI) on deaths due to poisoning by alcohol and/or other drugs, and deaths among drug users, in the period 2004–2011 (NDRDI)
Equipping law enforcement and other emergency responders with this overdose-reversal drug will save lives and also help guide many more people suffering from substance use disorders into treatment and long-term recovery (ONDCP)
Does take-home naloxone reduce non-fatal overdose? (Jan 2014)
We designed a national survey of non-fatal overdose among injecting opiate users who attended needle-exchange schemes to create a baseline measure of the prevalence of non-fatal overdose that could be useful to monitor the impact of THN and other harm-reduction interventions (The Lancet)
The report results of the work of experts from Gesundheit Österreich Forschungs- und Planungs GmbH and SOGETI, in close collaboration with EAHC, EMCDDA, DG SANCO, and DG JUST
2013
Drugs: new psychoactive substances and prescription drugs (Dec 2013)
Twelfth Report from the Home Affairs Committee PDF (UK Government)
Sixty percent of 12th graders do not view regular marijuana use as harmful (Dec 2013)
NIH’s 2013 Monitoring the Future Survey shows high rates of marijuana use; decreases in abuse of pain relievers and synthetic drugs (NIDA)
Monitoring the Future Survey, Overview of Findings 2013 (Dec 2013)
This year’s Monitoring the Future Survey of drug use and attitudes among American 8th, 10th, and 12th graders continues to provide generally encouraging news, with many forms of drug use holding steady at low levels among the nation’s adolescents; however, concerns persist over the softening of attitudes around some types of drug use, particularly decreases in perceived harm and disapproval of marijuana use and perceived harm of non-medical use of prescription medications such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Adderall (NIDA)
Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of Various Drugs (Dec 2013)
Trends for 8th-Graders, 10th-Graders, and 12th-Graders; 2010 – 2013 (NIDA)
American teens more cautious about using synthetic drugs (Dec 2013)
National samples of 40,000 to 50,000 students in three grades (8, 10 and 12) have been surveyed every year since 1991. Among the most important findings from this year’s survey of U.S. secondary school students are the following. 40 page PDF (Monitoring the Future study, the University of Michigan)
Women who use drugs, harm reduction and HIV (Dec 2013)
This issue brief about HIV, harm reduction and the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women who use drugs is part of a series of briefing papers, commissioned by the Global Coalition on Women and AIDS (GCWA), and is designed to provide up-to-date information around key issues concerning HIV prevention, treatment and care related to women and girls (The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS)
Hidden in plain sight (Dec 2013)
The need for more action on injecting drug use among under-18s (IHRA)
NGO recommendations to the new EU Action Plan on Alcohol (Dec 2013)
As the international NGO that represents NGOs on Alcohol Policy across the European Union, Eurocare wishes to contribute initial ideas as the new EU Action Plan begins to be drafted (Eurocare)
HIV, harm reduction and drug policy in Kenya (Dec 2013)
This briefing paper aims to review the recent developments in the response to HIV and illicit drug use in Kenya, and highlights some key recommendations to address the remaining challenges and issues (IDPC)
Human immunodeficiency virus among people who inject drugs (Dec 2013)
Is risk increasing in Europe? (Eurosurveillance)
Benzofurans: A review of the evidence of use and harm (Dec 2013)
The evidence concerning these substances and closely related analogues was considered by the ACMD at meetings of the Novel Psychoactive Substances Committee and by the full Council in 2012 and 2013. A Temporary Class Drug Order (TCDO) for these substances and some closely related analogues came into force on 10 June 2013. Download (Government, UK)
EMCDDA launches new toolkit for monitoring infectious diseases among people who inject drugs (Dec 2013)
The toolkit is designed to help health professionals improve their monitoring practice in order to reduce the burden of disease in this vulnerable group and improve the coverage and quality of services delivered (EMCDDA)
“High”-School: The Relationship between Early Marijuana Use and Educational Outcomes (Dec 2013)
We use unique survey data linked to nearly a decade of administrative welfare data to examine the relationship between early marijuana use (at age 14 or younger) and young people’s educational outcomes (Melbourne Institute)
When sex work and drug use overlap (Nov 2013)
Considerations for advocacy and practice (Harm Reduction International)
Proposal to allow wider access to naloxone for use in emergencies (Nov 2013)
The MHRA is asking for feedback to a proposal to allow wider access to naloxone for the purpose of saving life in an emergency. This would be achieved by an amendment of the Human Use Regulations 2012. The proposal is aimed at reducing deaths from heroin overdoses. The consultation document has been jointly produced by the UK Health Departments and the MHRA (UK Government)
With appropriate training in OD management and naloxone administration, PWID in Melbourne show readiness to actively participate in THN programs (Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia)
Shooting Up: Infections among people who inject drugs in the UK 2012. An update (Nov 2013)
The 11th annual report on infections among people who inject drugs in the United Kingdom. Download (Public Health England)
Working together to reduce harm – substance misuse annual report 2013 (Nov 2013)
Annual report on progress made to implement the substance misuse strategy (Welsh Government)
Hepatitis C Avoidance in Injection Drug Users (Nov 2013)
A Typology of Possible Protective Practices (PLOS ONE)
UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic 2013 (Nov 2013)
This report on the global AIDS epidemic contains the latest data on numbers of new HIV infections, numbers of people receiving antiretroviral treatment, AIDS-related deaths and HIV among children – download (IDPC)
The Needle and the Damage Done (Oct 2013)
Injecting Risk Behaviours of People Who Inject Drugs (NDARC)
Needle and Syringe Programs – ANCD position paper (Oct 2013)
The ANCD believes that while it is important to utilise NSPs to provide additional health services, education, and referrals to people who inject drugs, the provision of sterile injecting equipment should remain a primary focus. We believe that it is appropriate for Australia to aim for 100 per cent coverage of injections with sterile equipment, and for its NSPs to operate in ways that facilitate this aim (ANCD)
Trends in Drug Use and Related Harms in Australia, 2001 to 2013 (Oct 2013)
The purpose of this resource document is to collate various data sources that document trends in alcohol and other drug use and harms in Australia (NDARC)
How the Authority is assessing interim products (Oct 2013)
The Safety Assessment of Psychoactive Products report – The Risk Assessment Score Table – Reporting Adverse Effects to Psychoactive Products (Ministry of Health, new Zealand)
The Uncomfortable Truth Hepatitis C in England: The State of the Nation (Oct 2013)
A new report, published today by The Hepatitis C Trust has found that hepatitis C is grossly under-prioritised in England. Despite it being curable, only 3% of people receive treatment each year (Hepatitis C Trust)
Reducing truancy, moral disengagement and psychological distress (NDARC)
HIV, HCV, and drug use in men who have sex with men (Oct 2013)
The intersection of unprotected sex and use of street and party drugs is likely to amplify the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and sexually transmitted infections (STI) in men who have sex with men (The Lancet)
Part of the Picture Substance Dependency and Help-Seeking Behaviour (2012) (Oct 2013)
This report further explores problematic and dependent drug and alcohol use and help seeking behaviour, particularly among those who indicated substance dependency (LGF)
Cost-effectiveness of injectable opioid treatment v. oral methadone for chronic heroin addiction (Oct 2013)
Injectable opioid treatments are more cost-effective than optimised oral methadone for chronic refractory heroin addiction. The choice between supervised injectable heroin and injectable methadone is less clear. There is currently evidence to suggest superior effectiveness of injectable heroin but at a cost that policy makers may find unacceptable (British Journal of Psychiatry)
Final Report for Closing the Gap through Clinical Communities (Oct 2013)
The project has been designed to prevent patients of substance misuse treatment services of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) from contracting blood-borne viruses (BBV) through early screening and testing for BBVs, education and vaccination (Health.org.uk)
Alcohol and drugs: JSNA support pack (Sept 2013)
The Alcohol and drugs: JSNA support pack has been developed to support the joint strategic needs assessment process and local joint health and wellbeing strategies (Public Health England)
Support Manual for Dealing with Substance Use Issues in the Out of School Sector (Sept 2013)
This manual takes consideration of recent policy developments both in the area of Substance Misuse and the Youth Work Sector (National Youth Council of Ireland)
Patient-Centred Leadership: Rediscovering our purpose (Sept 2013)
The report is written in relation to all health services and applicable to governance and leadership drug and alcohol services (King’s Fund, UK)
ACMD advice on lisdexamfetamine and z-drugs (Sept 2013)
These ACMD letters to Minister for Crime Prevention, Jeremy Browne MP advise on lisdexamfetamine and z-drugs (ACMD)
Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit (Aug 2013)
Equips communities and local governments with material to develop policies and practices to help prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths. Addresses issues for first responders, treatment providers, and those recovering from opioid overdose (SAMSHA, USA)
In response to the growing concern over the availability and use of products containing synthetic cannabinoids in Australia, the Australian Institute of Criminology, in consultation with NCPIC, surveyed a sample of offenders through the DUMA program to ask about their experience with using synthetic cannabis (NCPIC)
Delivering Recovery-Opioid Replacement Therapies in Scotland-Independent Expert Review (Aug 2013)
An independent expert group commissioned by the Scottish Government was set up to gather and explore evidence on opiate replacement therapies used to treat people with drug addictions (Scottish Government, UK)
Best Practice Recommendations for Canadian Harm Reduction Programs (Aug 2013)
The goal of the Best Practice Recommendations is to improve the effectiveness of harm reduction programs that deliver prevention services to people who use drugs and are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and other harms (Catie, Canada)
Hepatitis C in the UK 2013 report July 2013
Hepatitis C predominantly affects marginalised groups of society, including people who inject drugs and minority ethnic populations, and so the government policy gives us a clear mandate to tackle hepatitis C (HPA, UK)
HIV and Injecting Drug Use July 2013
NAT has published a report on ‘HIV and Injecting Drug Use’. Issues discussed include MSM and problematic drug use, policy on OST maintenance, elevated mortality rates amongst people who inject drugs and have HIV – and many other matters. For a quick skim you can see the recommendations in blue boxes throughout the report, and then also collated at the end (NAT, UK)
Opioid overdose: preventing and reducing opioid overdose mortality June 2013
Contribution of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Health Organization to improving responses by Member States to the increasing problem of opioid overdose deaths (WHO)
The Negative Impact Of The War On Drugs On Public Health: The Hidden Hepatitis C Epidemic May 2013
In 2012 the Global Commission on Drug Policy released a report that outlined how the ‘war on drugs’ is driving the HIV epidemic among people who use drugs. The present report focuses on hepatitis C as it represents another massive and deadly epidemic for this population | GCDP
Public Health Report on Commissioning of HCV services in London for People who Inject Drugs April 2013
Chronic hepatitis C infection in people who inject drugs represents a major health inequality in a marginalised group in society. In London the prevalence of hepatitis C is 55% in people who inject drugs compared to 1-2% in the general population. This report represents a call to action for commissioners of drug addiction services and specialist liver services (London Joint Working Group On Substance Misuse and hepatitis C, UK)
Blueprint for a Public Health and Safety Approach to Drug Policy April 2013
ome of the problems with our current drug policies stem from the fact that these policies have been largely bifurcated between two different and often contradictory approaches. One treats drug use as a crime that cannot be tolerated and should be punished; the other views addiction as a chronic relapsing health or behavioral condition requiring ongoing treatment and support (New York Academy of Medicine, USA)
Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C treatment for people who inject drugs. A qualitative study March 2013
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global public health problem. The burden of HCV infection is concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID), with an estimated five million PWID living with chronic HCV in the European Region (WHO, Switzerland)
This is a revision of the 2009 Technical Guide (PDF), which provides technical guidance to countries on monitoring efforts to prevent and treat HIV infection among people who inject drugs (UNODC, USA)
2012
Harm reduction overviews December 2012
Harm reduction overviews are available for 30 countries — the 27 EU Member States, Norway as EMCDDA member, and Turkey and Croatia as Candidate Countries (EMCDDA)
Pregnancy, childcare and the family: key issues for europe’s response to drugs October 2012
Drugs and the family: ‘room for improvement’ in responding to problems. Download | EMCDDA
Pseudoephedrine- and ephedrine-containing medicines October 2012
2012 review of actions to manage the risk of misuse. Download | MHRA, UK
Preventing opioid overdoses in Europe October 2012
This report focuses on individual, situational and organisational risk factors for overdoses and how they can be modified to reduce fatal outcomes | EMCDDA
New Jersey Syringe Access Program Demonstration Project October 2012
Final report: Implementation of P.L. 2006, c. 99 “Blood-borne Disease Harm Reduction Act” | New Jersey Department of Health, USA
Expanding Naloxone Availability September 2012
ANCD position statement
Ending the revolving door September 2012
How the first generation of police and crime commissioners can cut crime by working in partnership to address multiple needs | Revolving Doors, UK
‘Between a rock and a hard place’ report published September 2012
Since September 2011 Adfam and Against Violence and Abuse (AVA) have been jointly working to explore and document the experiences of parents affected by child to parent violance (CPV) from thier substance using children. Download Report or Summary | Adfam, UK
Supply, Demand and Harm Reduction in Australian Prisons August 2012
The operation of Australia’s prisons need far greater levels of accountability and transparency, as well as a much stronger commitment to providing effective programs and treatment for people with drug and alcohol problems issues if we are to see any real reductions in reoffending rates. Download | Australian National Council on Drugs
Health groups celebrate decision on Needle & Syringe Exchange Program for ACT prison August 2012
Key health organisations are celebrating the ACT Government’s decision to include a Needle and Syringe Exchange Program as part of its broader strategy for management of blood borne viruses (BBVs) in the ACT’s prison | Public Health Association Australia
Quantifying the RR of harm to self and others from substance misuse August 2012
Results from a survey of clinical experts across Scotland | BMJ Open
Injecting Equipment Provision in Scotland Survey 2010/11 July 2012
This publication reports on the findings of the survey of injecting equipment provision (IEP) to people who inject drugs and relates to financial year 2010/11. Summary | ISD, Scotland, UK
Naloxone – Supply and Use 2011-2012 July 2012
This is the first annual release of monitoring information from the National Naloxone Programme in Scotland. This report presents data on the number of ‘take-home’ naloxone kits issued as part of the national programme during 2011/12. Summary| ISD, Scotland, UK
Global State of Harm Reduction 2012 July 2012
This report, and other global state of harm reduction resources, are designed to provide reference tools for a wide range of audiences, such as international donor organisations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, civil society and non-governmental organisations, including organisations of people who use drugs, as well as researchers and the media. Download | IHRA
Responding to drug use and related problems in recreational settings July 2012
This paper summarises some of the approaches used today to prevent and reduce the health and social risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol in recreational settings. Download | EMCDDA
Prevention and control of infectious diseases among people who inject drugs July 2012
This joint guidance report explores good public health practices that can support effective policies to reduce infections. Common blood-borne viruses in this group include HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C | EMCDDA
Drug consumption rooms Evidence and practice July 2012
Briefing paper | IDPC
Rehabilitating Drug Policy June 2012
What can we do better to reduce offending by drug addicts? | Civitas
Evaluation of the MEAM service pilots June 2012
Following 40 clients, the evaluation provides some of the strongest data available on multiple needs and exclusions. The results show statistically significant increases in individual wellbeing and provide important information on how the shape and cost of wider service use changes as people engage with coordinated interventions. Download | MEAM, UK
Methadone Maintenance Treatment Handbook June 2012
This document has been prepared for the physicians of Nova Scotia as a roadmap for methadone maintenance therapy – that is, the use of methadone primarily as the treatment for opioid dependency | College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Canada
Tackling the Problem of Hepatitis C, Substance Misuse and Health Inequalities June 2012
A Consensus for London | The London Joint Working Group for Substance Misuse and Hepatitis C , UK
Video – A-Z good practice in homeless hostels May 2012
This short film gives examples of good practice when providing hostel accommodation for homeless drug users. The examples are based on the findings of a research study undertaken by Dr Stevenson and Prof Neale at Oxford Brookes University which asked homeless drug users about their experiences of hostel living | You Tube
Quality Indicators for Hepatitis C April 2012
The quality indicators focus on prevention, testing and assessment, treatment and support, and service organisation related to hepatitis C infection – Download | Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Report of the Toronto and Ottawa Supervised Consumption Assessment Study April 2012
Do Toronto and Ottawa need supervised consumption facilities? Is the implementation of supervised consumption facilities in Toronto or Ottawa feasible? To answer these questions, we conducted the Toronto and Ottawa Supervised Consumption Assessment (TOSCA) a scientific study involving the collection and analysis of data from a variety of sources – Download | TOSCA, Canada
Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry April 2012
Summary of report with reference to alcohol and other drug treatment | VAADA, Australia
The Michael Project, 2007-2010 April 2012
New perspectives and possibilities for homeless men | Mission Australia
A war against people who use drugs April 2012
The costs | Eurasian Harm Reduction Network
Providing guidance to policy makers for developing coherent policies for licit and illicit drugs April 2012
This policy paper aims to provide decision makers and policy managers with an overview of the basic principles, instruments and tools that will support them in developing, reviewing and implementing drug policies, strategies and action plans | Pompidou Group, Europe
Supporting adult family members of people with drug problems in Scotland March 2012
This report highlights some of the key issues that have emerged from a study looking at the extent and nature of support currently provided for adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problem. This mapping exercise was part of a UK-wide project, but the findings presented here focus solely on the data collected relating to Scotland | UKDPC
Naltrexone Sustained Release Preparations ( Injectible & Implants) March 2012
In response to the ongoing debate regarding the use of naltrexone implants to treat opioid dependence, the Australian National Council on Drugs has released the following statement and fact sheet | ANCD, Australia
The Forgotten Carers: Support for adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems March 2012
This briefing provides an overview of the key findings and implications of a study investigating the extent and nature of support provided to adult family members affected by a relative’s drug problems | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
A UK-wide survey of services for adult family members | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
Review of Policy and Guidance Documents across the UK | UKDPC
Adult Family Members Affected by a Relative’s Substance Misuse March 2012
Qualitative Interviews with Commissioners and Service Providers in England and Scotland | UKDPC
Better access to naloxone, training could reduce opioid overdose deaths March 2012
The findings in this report suggest that distribution of naloxone and training in its administration might have prevented numerous deaths from opioid overdoses,” stated Eliza Wheeler, MPA, Drug Overdose Prevention and Education Project, Harm Reduction Coalition, Oakland, Calif., and colleagues | Formulary, USA
Harm reduction interventions for opioid injectors February 2012
Current evidence on the effectiveness of the available harm reduction options for opioid injectors | EMCDDA
Community-Based Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs Providing Naloxone February 2012
To address the substantial increases in opioid-related drug overdose deaths, public health agencies could consider comprehensive measures that include teaching laypersons how to respond to overdoses and administer naloxone to those in need. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from | Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, USA
Ending gang and youth violence – detailed report February 2012
The report looks into the scale of the problem of gang and youth violence, analyses its causes, and identifies what can be done by government and other agencies to stop the violence and to turn around the lives of those involved | Home Office, UK
Local Tobacco Control Profiles for England February 2012
These profiles provide a snapshot of the extent of tobacco use, tobacco related harm, and measures being taken to reduce this harm at a local level | London Health Observatory, UK
Competition and Consumer (Tobacco) Information Standard 2011 February 2012
This Standard provides for a system of health warnings to increase consumer knowledge of the health effects relating to the use of tobacco products | Australian Government
Hepatitis C and HIV Co-infection January 2012
Approximately 9% of HIV positive people in the UK are co-infected with hepatitis C | NAT, UK
A Framework for Reducing Alcohol and Drug Related Harm in Northern Ireland January 2012
Phase 2, 2011-2016 | DHSSPS, UK
Drug advice for schools January 2012
Updated: 25 January 2012 | Department for Education and the Association of Chief Police Officers, UK
HIV in injecting drug users in the EU/EEA January 2012
In response to a notified increase in HIV cases among injecting drug users (IDU) in Greece and Romania, the European Commission asked the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) in November 2011 to conduct a rapid inquiry among their network of HIV surveillance- and drug focal points to investigate whether such increases had occurred in other countries | EMCDDA
Press reporting of issues relating to illicit drug use January 2012
UKDPC have asked the Leveson Inquiry to look at how the press reports illicit drug use, and its impact on policymaking and public perceptions of people with drug addictions | UKDPC
Drug policy and the public good: evidence for effective interventions January 2012
Evidence-based interventions are increasingly being identified that are capable of making drugs less available, reducing violence in drug markets, lessening misuse of legal pharmaceuticals, preventing drug use initiation in young people, and reducing drug use and its consequences in established drug users
2011
Responding to new psychoactive substances December 2011
This briefing paper describes some of the practical and legal obstacles facing Member States when responding to such new substances. It underlines the importance of national early-warning systems in detecting and identifying new substances as the first step towards assessing the risks of, and ultimately controlling, potentially dangerous new drugs. English download | EMCDDA
Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment December 2011
This report presents the major findings from the Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment study, a three-year study funded by NSW Community Services, Department of Family and Community Services, and the University of New South Wales | NDARC, Australia
NACD study reveals that home grown cannabis has stronger potency than imported variety November 2011
The research entitled The potency of cannabis products and their THC content provides the first national baseline for measuring the potency of the drug | National Advisory Committee on Drugs, Ireland
Holding Pattern November 2011
An exploratory study of the lived experiences of those on methadone maintenance in Dublin North East | The Clients Forum of the Dublin North East Drugs Task Force, Ireland
Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment November 2011
This report presents the major findings from the Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment study, a three-year study funded by NSW Community Services, Department of Family and Community Services, and the University of New South Wales | NDARC, Australia
Why wouldn’t I discriminate against all of them November 2011
A Report on Stigma and Discrimination towards the Injecting Drug User Community | Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users’ League
HRI launches new interactive Global State of Harm Reduction e-tool! October 2011
The GSHR e-tool draws on the latest research to present an at-a-glance guide to the current state of harm reduction worldwide, making data from HRI’s Global State series easier to access than ever before | Harm Reduction International
Parental Substance Misuse October 2011
A new feature relating to the recent National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) report entitled Parental Substance Misuse: Addressing its Impact on Children | Drugs.ie, Ireland
Prevention profiles 2011 October 2011
What are countries in Europe doing to prevent illicit drug use? ‘Prevention profiles’ try to answer this question by providing information based on expert appraisal of the level of provision of different prevention measures in Europe | EMCDDA
The role of education in developing recovery capital in recovery from substance addiction October 2011
This report is derived from an analysis of data from 20 in-depth interviews with individuals in recovery from substance addiction; the data was collected as part of a wider study that explored how people recover from drug addiction and how they manage the process of social reintegration | Soilse Drug Rehabilitation Project, Dublin
Beyond Methadone – Improving Health and Empowering Patients in Opioid Treatment October 2011
Our research findings cover topics as diverse as hepatitis C, overdose prevention, syringe access, alternatives to methadone (burprenorphine), treatment interruptions, patient rights and involvement, and harassment by security and police | Vocal New York, USA
Seven ways to reduce infections among people who inject drugs October 2011
Joint guidance report from ECDC and the EMCDDA
Amphetamine Type Stimulants and Harm Reduction October 2011
Experiences from Myanmar, Thailand and Southern China | Transnational Institute, Netherlands
Drop in ‘legal high’ poisonings following ban October 2011
Banning so-called ‘legal highs’ including mephedrone led to a fall in the number of queries on how to treat users, poisoning experts have found. National Poisons Information Service – Annual Report | Health Protection Agency, UK
Cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and psychosis risk: What the evidence says September 2011
A review of the evidence on marijuana’s impact on the risk of developing psychotic disorders, as well as the potential contributions of “medical” marijuana and other legally available products containing synthetic cannabinoids to psychosis risk | Current Psychiatry
Time to address stimulant abuse on our campuses September 2011
Like doping in sports, abuse of stimulants by our best and brightest students should be denormalized by being viewed as cheating or substance abuse, pure and simple | CMAJ, Canada
Incarceration Predicts Virologic Failure for HIV-Infected Injection Drug Users Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy September 2011
Among IDUs achieving viral suppression while receiving ART, virologic failure occurred with high frequency and was strongly associated with brief incarceration | Clinical Infectious Diseases
New Research shows families with multiple problems are helped by intensive support
New research into family intervention programmes has shown that joined-up, intensive intervention has led to a fall in anti-social behavior, truancy and domestic violence | Revolving Doors, UK
Turning the Tide Vision Paper September 2011
Turning the Tide is a joint publication by | Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) and Revolving Doors, UK
Suboxone for Short-term Detoxification September 2011
A Review of the Clinical Evidence | Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
Tackling homelessness and exclusion: Understanding complex lives September 2011
How can policy and practice more effectively tackle homelessness, and how does it overlap with people’s other support needs? Summary | Joseph Rowntree Foundation, UK
Australia’s evolving responses to co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders September 2011
Submission to the Inquiry into the Commonwealth Funding and Administration of Mental Health Services | Dual Diagnosis, Australia
Harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs in Bangkok September 2011
New research points to the need for policy reforms and harm reduction programs for people who inject drugs in Bangkok, Thailand – Report | UHRI, Canada
A summary of the health harms of drugs August 2011
A reference document summarising, for a non-medical audience, the latest scientific evidence about the health-related harms of emerging and established licit and illicit drugs commonly used in the UK | NTA, UK
A summary of the health harms of drugs – Technical document August 2011
This technical document accompanies ‘A summary of the health harms of drugs’. It summarises methodological aspects of the work; articles identified through literature searches; and references for literature used | NTA, UK
Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales, 2010 August 2011
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics on deaths related to drug poisoning (involving both legal and illegal drugs) and drug misuse (involving illegal drugs) in England and Wales for the period 2006 to 2010 | Office for National Statistics, UK
By Women, For Women August 2011
New Approaches to Harm Reduction in Russia – Download | Open Society Foundations, USA
Hostels Good Practice Guidelines August 2011
Good practice guidelines on hostel accommodation: the views of homeless drug users | Brookes Drug and Alcohol Research Group, UK
The role of emergency hostels and night shelters in supporting homeless drug users August 2011
This study seeks to increase our understanding of the support needs of homeless drug users who stay in emergency hostels and shelters in order to improve policy and practice | Brookes Drug and Alcohol Research Group, UK
Drug-related Deaths Down for Second Consecutive Year August 2011
The number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has fallen for the second year in succession Documents here | Registrar General, Scotland, UK
Balancing Access and Safety: Meeting the challenge of blood borne viruses in prison July 2011
Moore report into implementation of a Needle and Syringe Program in the Alexander Maconochie Centre | ACT Health, Australia
Injecting Equipment Provision in Scotland Survey 2009/10 July 2011
This is the third report on the findings of the survey of injecting equipment provision (IEP) to injecting drug users and relates to financial year 2009/10 |Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland, UK
Khat: Social harms and legislation July 2011
A literature review by David M. Anderson and Neil C. M. Carrier, University of Oxford | Home Office, UK
Victorian Pharmacotherapy Review June 2011
The purpose of the review was to develop an evidence-based options paper ‘to ensure pharmacotherapy services in Victoria remain responsive to current and future demand while improving accessibility for clients and reducing service gaps’ | DPMP: NDARC, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre: Eastern Health, Australia
Treatment or Torture? June 2011
Applying International Human Rights Standards to Drug Detention Centers. Download | Open Society Foundations, USA
Treated with Cruelty June 2011
Abuses in the Name of Rehabilitation. Download | Open Society Foundations, USA
Consultation on Proposed Improvements to the Marijuana Medical Access Program June 2011
In response to concerns heard from Canadians, the Government of Canada announced on June 17, 2011 that it is considering improvements to the Program. The proposed improvements would reduce the risk of abuse and exploitation by criminal elements and keep our children and communities safe. Press release | Health Canada
Alcohol and Drugs – Training Needs Analysis Guide June 2011
This report looks at how we can tackle the alcohol and drugs problem in Scotland – Download | Health Scotland, UK
Harm reduction guidelines in Europe June 2011
This page contains a listing of national harm reduction guidelines in Europe, along with some international standards and guidelines | EMCDDA
Strengthening families program for teens and parents June 2011
Year 1 Evaluation Report | Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force, Ireland
Government-funded specialist homelessness services June 2011
SAAP National Data Collection annual report 2009-10. Appendix | AIHW, Australia
HIV among people who use drugs June 2011
Reference Group calls on UN Member States to scale-up evidence-based interventions to address HIV among people who use drugs | IDPC
New guide safeguards children affected by substance misuse June 2011
A new practical guide issued on Wednesday, 1st June by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse says those responsible for drink and drug treatment must take a wider, more preventative approach, identifying early on when families need help as well as protecting children from neglect and harm | NTA, UK
Towards zero infections June 2011
The UK’s position paper on HIV in the developing world | Department for International Development, UK
HIV & Islam June 2011
Responsible religious response to HIV & AIDS in Malaysia. PDF from Malaysian AIDS Council | IDPC
Interventions to Prevent Hepatitis C Virus Infection in People Who Inject Drugs June 2011
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions to Prevent Hepatitis C Virus Infection in People Who Inject Drugs | Journal of Infectious Diseases
Taking Drugs Seriously May 2011
A Demos and UK Drug Policy Commission report on legal highs. Full report and background paper | UKDPC
Nurses release paper on harm reduction and illegal drugs May 2011
The paper focuses on harm reduction strategies aimed at reducing health and social harms associated with illegal drug use. It presents current perspectives and evidence on harm reduction policy and practice, and identifies implications for nursing policy, practice, research and education | Canadian Nurses Association
HIV and Injecting Drug Use: A Global Call for Action May 2011
The Official Declaration of the 2011 International Harm Reduction Conference. IHRA Declaration – Lancet Editorial on the IHRA Declaration | SMMGP, UK
Report on the risk assessment of mephedrone May 2011
This publication presents the summary findings and the conclusions of the risk assessment on mephedrone, carried out by the EMCDDA’s extended Scientific Committee, with participation of additional experts from the European Commission, Europol and the EMA | EMCDDA
HIV Prevention Among Injection Drug Users In Kenya and Tanzaniar May 2011
New opportunities and progress | Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA
Drug Deaths’ Conference Presentations now available April 2011
Presentations, in PDF format, from the above Conference are now available to view | Scottish Drugs Forum, UK
Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental and Substance Use Disorders April 2011
What’s Working, What’s Needed? | SAMHSA, USA
Opioid substitution therapy in resource-poor settings April 2011
One of the most consistent findings in both high-income and resource-poor settings is that the more time injecting drug users spend on opioid substitution therapy, the better the outcomes and the less they are likely to engage in high risk behaviours | World Health Organization
HIV and injecting drug use: a global call for action April 2011
Their needs have been neglected, and their rights have been ignored, and, in many cases, horribly violated as governments have chosen to pursue punitive, disproportionate drug laws instead of evidence-based health strategies to address drug-related harm | The Lancet, UK
Greater flexibility for drug testing in police stations March 2011
Police forces will now have greater freedom and flexibility to drug test people on arrest, Minister for Crime Prevention James Brokenshire announced today [Home Office, UK]
Social Work Services and Recovery from Substance Misuse March 2011
A review of the evidence [Scottish Government, UK]
Social Work Services and Recovery from Substance Misuse March 2011
Research Findings [Scottish Government, UK]
Health protection in prisons report 2009-2010 March 2011
The work programme for 2009-2010 covered three key areas: improving infectious disease surveillance, the hepatitis B vaccination monitoring programme, and information and communication. This report outlines the progress made in meeting the objectives of the work programme in these key areas [Health Protection Agency, UK]
Needle and Syringe Program March 2011
Treatment service users (TSU) project: phase two [Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
Continued cannabis use and risk of incidence and persistence of psychotic symptoms: 10 year follow-up cohort study February 2011
Conclusion Cannabis use is a risk factor for the development of incident psychotic symptoms. Continued cannabis use might increase the risk for psychotic disorder by impacting on the persistence of symptoms [British Medical Journal]
Hepatitis and drug use February 2011
A new thematic page on drug use and hepatitis [EMCDDA]
Global Status report on alcohol and health 2011 February 2011
The Global status report on alcohol and health (2011) presents a comprehensive perspective on the global, regional and country consumption of alcohol, patterns of drinking, health consequences and policy responses in Member States[World Health Organization]
Getting Serious about Stigma in Scotland February 2011
The problem with stigmatising drug users [UKDPC]
Reducing Alcohol and Other Drug Related Harm February 2011
Evidence on how high levels of alcohol and other drug use-related harm among Indigenous Australians are both a consequence of, and contribute to, the health and social gap between them and non-Indigenous Australians [AIHW, Australia]
HIV Testing and Human Rights: Resources and Fact Sheets February 2011
However, there is growing evidence from several countries that … people who use drugs, and sex workers are being forced by police to submit to HIV tests against their will [Open Society Foundations, USA]
What should a recovery-oriented drug treatment system look like? February 2011
Consultation questionnaire 2nd February to 4th May 2011 [NTA, UK]
Drug policies and harm reduction in South East Europe January 2011
This briefing paper is the first of a series focusing on drug-related issues in SEE. It provides an overview of the current situation regarding harm reduction services and national drug policies in the region [IDPC]
Risk and Protection Factors for Substance Use among Young People January 2011
A comparative study of early school-leavers and school attending students [NACD, Ireland]
National needle and syringe programs strategic framework 2010-2014 January 2011
This framework sets policy directions and identifies program goals to assist governments and administrators planning the future development of needle and syringe programs – PDF [Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
Methadone Treatment Protocol Review Launched January 2011
The HSE recently published the Introduction of the Opioid Treatment Protocol, a wide ranging review of the Methadone Treatment Protocol [1998]. The document can be downloaded here [City Wide, Ireland]
Whole Person Recovery – a user-centred systems approach to problem drug misuse January 2011
The RSA’s Whole Person Recovery Project aims to understand in a holistic way how problematic drug and alcohol users become trapped in cycles of addiction, what helps or hinders their journey to recovery, and how their recovery can be sustained – 10MB PDF [RSA, UK]
2010
Needle and Syringe Program December 2010
National needle and syringe programs strategic framework 2010-2014 PDF [Department of Health and Ageing, Australia]
Getting Serious about Stigma: the problem with stigmatising drug users December 2010
This report provides an overview of the findings of a wide ranging research project looking at the extent and nature of stigma towards current and ex-drug users and their families. Overview and Summary Background material … Attitudes and Representations in British Press [UKDPC]
Safety and Wellbeing of Children in Families with Multiple and Complex Problems December 2010
Presents evidence regarding the extent to which parental substance misuse, domestic violence and parental mental health problems co-occur and discusses the wider context of exclusion and disadvantage [Australian Institute of Family Studies]
Final Connections Project Update: December 2010
T3E final research report – Ethnicity, drugs, HIV and prisons in Europe
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (HCLU) Report: Prison and Risks
EU drugs agency launches new guidelines for HIV testing in injecting drug users November 2010
More injecting drug users should undergo tests for HIV, viral hepatitis and other infections such as tuberculosis, says the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA). In new guidelines published today on the eve of World AIDS Day [EMCDDA]
Drug and alcohol treatment sector drives up standards of care November 2010
Doctors, former drug users, healthcare managers and charities, among others, have formed a unique new partnership to drive up standards in drug and alcohol treatment in England and help more people achieve recovery [Substance Misuse Skills Consortium, UK]
QuADs Support Project November 2010
QuADS (Quality Standards in Alcohol and Drugs Services) is a quality standards framework that was developed by Drug Scope and Alcohol Concern in the UK in 1999 and has been selected as the guiding quality standard framework for HSE Addiction Services in Ireland [Ana Liffey Drug Project, Ireland]
Drug Policy Harm Part Five: Conclusion November 2010
For part one onwards start here [John Moore, Bristol, UK]
Facing the future, DrugScope conference Nov 2010 November 2010
Presentations from the DrugScope conference including Anne Milton MP’s Ministerial Address [DrugScope, UK]
Access to social networking tools in the AOD sector’ November 2010
Social networking is becoming a key medium for communication and community building in all areas of life. Increasingly social networking is being utilised in the not-for-profit sector to increase community development, information dissemination and engagement with our clients [Uniting Care Moreland Hall, Australia]
Foil report November 2010
This report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs considers the use of foil, as an intervention, to reduce the harms of injecting heroin [Home Office, UK]
Joint UNODC / INCB Statement on the International Drug Control System and Human Health and Human Rights November 2010
The recent report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health focuses on the international drug control system [UNODC]
NTA fulfils promise on expert group on medication & recovery November 2010
An expert group chaired by Prof John Strang of the National Addiction Centre meets for the first time today (8th November) to start developing new expert guidance on how the prescribing of medications can help individuals achieve fuller recovery [National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, UK]
The Training Manual November 2010
The training manual “Prison staff and harm reduction” is the main output of the EU-funded [TCJP project]
Risk and Protection Factors for Substance Use Among Young People October 2010
A Comparative Study of Early School-Leavers and School-Attending Students [NACD, Ireland]
Risk of death during and after opiate substitution treatment in primary care October 2010
Prospective observational study in UK General Practice Research Database [BMJ, UK]
Harm reduction interventions October 2010
In this section we present the current evidence base for harm reduction interventions. [EMCDDA]
Perceptions of the social harms associated with khat use October 2010
This report describes the findings from a study exploring the perceived social harms associated with the use of khat [Home Office, UK]
Guidelines for testing HIV, viral hepatitis and other infections in injecting drug users October 2010
These guidelines are accompanied by a recommended package of prevention and primary care in relation to injecting drug users and infections [EMCDDA]
Further evaluation of the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre during its extended Trial period (2007-2011) October 2010
Full report from [NSW Health, Australia]
Mental Health Screenings and Trauma-Related Counseling in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities September 2010
In 2009, more than half (62 percent) of all substance abuse treatment facilities provided brief mental health screenings that could be used to identify clients in need of trauma services; less than half (42 percent) provided full diagnostic mental health assessments [SAMHSA, USA]
Injecting Equipment Provision in Scotland Survey 2008/09 September 2010
This document reports on the findings of a survey of injecting equipment provision (IEP) to injecting drug users in 2008/09 and the first six months of 2009/10 in Scotland [ISD Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, UK]
John Strang on the concept of supervised injecting heroin clinics and the birth of the RIOTT trial September 2010
John describes how from the mid 90’s onwards he and others were keen to do a good quality trial of injectable maintenance. He goes on to talk about international developments, and the improving quality of the science. One of three new videos [FEAD, UK]
Heroin maintenance for chronic heroin-dependent individuals September 2010
The available evidence suggests a small added value of heroin prescribed alongside flexible doses of methadone for long-term, treatment-refractory opioid users, considering a decrease in the use of street heroin and other illicit substances, and in the probability of being imprisoned; and an increase in retention in treatment – Intervention Review [Cochrane Library]
NTA issues ‘free mapping’ tool to prison drug workers September 2010
The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) has issued all prisons in England with a tool-kit to help health specialists provide vital talking therapies for inmates seeking to quit drugs. Download [NTA, UK]
Pregnancy and complex social factors September 2010
A model for service provision for pregnant women with complex social factors. Section 1.2 Pregnant women who misuse substances (alcohol and/or drugs) [NICE, UK]
MSIC monitoring report September 2010
The Medically Supervised Injection Centre has not had a negative impact on robbery, property crime or drug offences in Kings Cross LAC, according to the latest monitoring report by the [NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Australia]
Policy resistance to harm reduction for drug users and potential effect of change September 2010
Despite good evidence for its effectiveness in HIV prevention, countries such as Russia remain resistant to harm reduction. Tim Rhodes and colleagues show the obstacles to and potential benefits of changing policy on opiate substitution treatment [BMJ, UK]
Breakthrough Northern Ireland August 2010
Chapter 2.4 Addiction [Centre for Social Justice, UK]
Hunger and associated harms among injection drug users in an urban Canadian setting August 2010
These findings suggest that IDU in this setting would likely benefit from interventions that work to improve access to food and social support services, including addiction treatment programs which may reduce the adverse effect of ongoing drug use on hunger [Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy]
Guide to Developing and Managing Syringe Access Programs August 2010
This manual offers practice, suggestions and considerations rooted in harm reduction – an approach to drug use that promotes and honors the competence of drug users to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities and the belief that drug users have a right to respect, health and life-saving sterile injection equipment [The Harm Reduction Coalition, USA]
Extreme social stigma holds back drug recovery August 2010
The extreme stigma attached to drug addiction represents a massive obstacle to rehabilitation and recovery; hindering access to treatment, securing work and housing and rejoining society, and lasting for very long periods of time [UK Drug Policy Commission]
Why Overdose Matters for HIV August 2010
Experience has shown that overdose prevention and education and naloxone distribution to both illegal and legal opioid users can enhance HIV programming and are feasible and effective in many different settings, including harm reduction outreach programs, AIDS and drug treatment services, emergency medical departments, and prisons [EHRN]
‘Guide to Ethnobotanical Plants and Herbs, Synthetic Chemicals, Compounds and Products’ August 2010
This Guide has been produced in response to requests from workers, users, medical professionals and academics for information on the emerging issue of legal herbal highs, plants and chemical alternatives available to buy in shops and online [Substance Misuse Service HSE South Tipperary, Ireland]
Accessibility of HIV Prevention for People who Use Drugs and Incarcerated People July 2010
Accessibility of HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care Services for People who Use Drugs and Incarcerated People in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Legislative and Policy Analysis and Recommendations for Reform. PDF download [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Analysis of national programmes on HIV and drug control July 2010
Accessibility of HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care Services for People who Use Drugs and Incarcerated People in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Legislative and Policy Analysis and Recommendations for Reform – Download PDF report [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, UNODC]
Legislative and Policy Barriers to Needle & Syringe Programs July 2010
The Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) has developed this position paper with a view to providing a national overview of the legislative and policy barriers which currently restrict access to Needle & Syringe Programs (NSPs) and new injecting equipment for PWIDs [Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League]
IHRA releases 2007 – 2009 programme evaluation report July 2010
The evaluation was funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), and was concluded in December 2009 [IHRA]
New UNAIDS OUTLOOK report 2010 launched July 2010
Ahead of the XVIII International AIDS Conference to be held in Vienna from 18 – 23 July, UNAIDS has launched its OUTLOOK Report 2010 in Geneva [UNAIDS]
Strategy to halt and reverse the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Asia and the Pacific July 2010
The regional strategy, – A strategy to halt and reverse the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Asia and the Pacific 2010-2015, is a roadmap for Member States, Civil Society and Development Agencies on how to successfully address the HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in Asia and the Pacific [UNODC]
The Australian Needle and Syringe Program Survey July 2010
This report presents national, state and territory data for the period 2005 to 2009 [National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research The University of New South Wales, Australia]
Deadly disregard June 2010
Government refusal to implement evidence-based measures to prevent HIV and hepatitis C virus infections in prisons [CMAJ, Canada]
Is it time for a supervised injecting facility for Melbourne? June 2010
Research conducted by the Burnet Institute and commissioned by the Yarra Drug & Health Forum in Collingwood provides clear evidence of the public health benefits of establishing a supervised injecting facility in Melbourne – Report PDF [Burnet Institute, Australia]
The report notes that such operations continue to be funded without appropriate safeguards despite the fact that the abolition of the death penalty is a requirement of entry into the Council of Europe and the European Union and that the United Nations advocates strongly against capital punishment 2.7 MB PDF [IHRA]
This bulletin summarises information on people visiting the Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme and relates to the twelve-month period ending 31 March 2010 PDF [INEF, Ireland]
Problem drug use and safeguarding children: a multi agency approach June 2010
This chapter explores the social context in which ‘problem drug users’ and ‘inadequate parents’ are constructed … key issues and difficulties involved in working with problem drug users whose children are considered to be at risk of abuse or neglect [Julian Buchanan, Glyndwr University, UK]
“Three Cents a day is not enough June 2010
Resourcing HIV-related Harm Reduction on a Global Basis [International Harm Reduction Association]
Protection from illicit drugs – a child rights issue June 2010
Protecting children from illicit drugs is not an option for State Parties to the Convention of the Rights of the Child. It is an obligation. This is the conclusion in a report that was presented at the World Forum Against Drugs in Stockholm [Alcohol Drugs and Development, Norway / Sweden]
Coming Clean: Combating drug misuse in prisons June 2010
This report contends that there are a series of fundamental problems with the way these issues are approached – and that despite repeated warning signs, the Prison Service appears destined to continue down the same failed path – PDF [Policy Exchange, UK]
Supporting All Women and Girls June 2010
As part of the White House Council on Women and Girls, ONDCP released its first report detailing programs, policies, and initiatives that are aimed at supporting women, both within our workforce and in communities everywhere [ONDCP, USA]
AIVL has developed this position paper with a view to providing a national overview of the legislative and policy barriers which currently restrict access to Needle & Syringe Programs (NSPs) and new injecting equipment for PWIDs [Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League]
Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign May 2010
Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA) has announced a new partnership with the Australian Government’s National Drugs Campaign (NDC) offering Drug Action Week organisers the ability to order free NDC promotional material [Australian Government]
Time for a fresh look at drug policy governance May 2010
Lancet Editorial ACMD (17 April 2010) – Response from the [UK Drug Policy Commission]
National guidelines for services providing injecting equipment May 2010
Guidelines for services providing injecting equipment: Best practice recommendations for commissioners and injecting equipment provision (IEP) services in Scotland [Scottish Government, UK]
Provisional Information on the provision of injecting equipment in Scotland, 2008/09 May 2010
This survey, carried out by ISD as part of the Hepatitis C action plan, collected information on Injecting Equipment Providers (IEPs) in Scotland for financial year 2008/09 and the 6 month period April to September 2009/10 PDF [ISD Scotland]
Colin Mair on Community Resilience – Video May 2010
Budget Scenario – Threat or Opportunity [FEAD, UK]
Alcohol and Drugs – a Question of Architecture May 2010
A systems mapping approach to how Scotland can reduce the damage to its population through alcohol and drugs by half by 2025 [Scotland’s Futures Forum]
IHRA launches ‘The Death Penalty for Drug Offences: Global Overview 2010’ report May 2010
The report is the first detailed country by country overview of the death penalty for drugs, monitoring both national legislation and state practice of enforcement [IHRA]
The Role of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Road Deaths and Serious Injuries May 2010
This report outlines the impact of drug use on road deaths and injuries and outlines a number of strategies that are currently being implemented to minimise and reduce the number of drivers who consume drugs [DrugInfo Clearinghouse, Australia]
Canadian Court of Appeal upholds supervised injection site’s right to operate May 2010
North America’s first supervised injection facilty, was a provincial undertaking that did not undermine the federal goals of protecting health or eliminating the market that drives drugrelated offences. As such, the Court held that the drug possession and trafficking provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) did not apply to Insite. Download [International Yearbook on Human Rights and Drug Policy]
Italian goverment’s position on harm reduction raises opposition among the NGOs April 2010
During the negotiations on the EU resolution in view of CND 2010, the Italian government tried to challenge the European wide position on Harm Reduction. NGOs statement PDF [IDPC]
IHRA launches ‘What is Harm Reduction’ briefing, in 11 different languages April 2010
English version here [IHRA]
‘The Global State of Harm Reduction 2010 April 2010
Key Issues for Broadening the Response’ 10MB report [IHRA]
Revisiting the AACCE profile in the North West of England Results from NDTMS in 2008/09 April 2010
One of the central themes of the AACCE hypothesis is that the use of non-opiate substances amongst young people in contact with treatment indicates shifting substance use patterns that will eventually impact on adult services as these individuals mature [Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, UK]
This report examines the ways in which multilaterals are currently engaging civil society groups working on harm reduction in international policy, including the engagement of leading non-governmental organisations and the involvement of affected communities [IHRA]
Indigenous specific alcohol and other drug interventions April 2010
A report identifying the areas of greatest need to address harmful Indigenous drug and alcohol use [NIDAC, Australia]
National Hep C Strategy April 2010
hird National Hepatitis C Strategy 2010-2013 [Hepatitis NSW, Australia]
National Hep B Strategy April 2010
National Hepatitis B Strategy 2010-2013 [Hepatitis NSW, Australia]
National Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Blood Borne Virus Strategy April 2010
Third National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2010–2013.[Hepatitis NSW, Australia]
IHRA launches ‘3 Cents’ report April 2010
IHRA’s new ‘3 cents’ report shows the small amount of money being invested in harm reduction [IHRA]
CUT – What else are people eating, snorting and injecting when they take illegal drugs? April 2010
A Guide to the Adulterants, Bulking agents and other Contaminants found in illicit drugs [Centre for Public Health, UK]
Harm reduction: evidence, impacts and challenges April 2010
The EMCDDA’s 10th scientific monograph, entitled Harm reduction: evidence, impacts and challenges provides a comprehensive overview of the harm reduction field. 3.9MB PDF [EMCDDA]
This guidance takes the local community as the starting point of its approach to dealing with drug and alcohol problems. Its focus is not only on meeting national priorities, but about making a difference at a local level [Home Office, UK]
The Role of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Road Deaths and Serious Injuries April 2010
This paper examines the impact of alcohol and other drug use, including various pharmaceuticals, on road deaths and injuries. It also outlines a number of strategies that are currently being implemented to minimise and reduce the number of drivers who consume drugs [Australian Drug Foundation]
Methadone is key to effective drug treatment April 2010
As a group of experts in the treatment of opiate-dependent people, we write to express our dismay about the continuing misrepresentation in the media of the evidence on the effectiveness of methadone treatment [The Scotsman, UK]
Consideration of the cathinones April 2010
Report from the [Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, UK]
Risk assessment of new psychoactive substances — operating guidelines April 2010
The principal aim of these guidelines is to put in place a sound methodological and procedural basis for carrying out each risk assessment, by using a semi-quantitative assessment procedure [EMCDDA]
Human Rights and Drug Policy March 2010
Briefings for the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs [Open Society Institute]
Parliamentary Handbook on HIV and AIDS February 2010
Drug abuse is a predisposing factor in HIV transmission because it impairs judgment, often leading to risky sexual behavior. Injecting drug use involving the use of needles and syringes carries even greater risks [Cambodian Parliament]
Young people’s treatment at the crossroads February 2010
The drug and alcohol treatment system needs to be more flexible if it is to effectively meet the needs of older teenagers and young adults developing substance misuse problems, according to a new DrugScope report [DrugScope, UK]
Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research: Report to the California Legislature February 2010
As a result of the vision and foresight of the California State Legislature Medical Marijuana Research Act (SB847), the CMCR has successfully conducted the first clinical trials of smoked cannabis in the United States in more than 20 years [ Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, USA]
Dangers of drug and alcohol use during pregnancy: medics ask for more training February 2010
A new study has found that doctors and nurses believe they need more training and resources to help them talk to pregnant women about the dangers of alcohol and drug use. Summary – Full Report [Alcohol Healthwatch, New Zealand]
Anthrax – Information for Health Professionals February 2010
[Health Protection Agency, UK]
Anthrax – Advice for heroin users February 2010
[Health Protection Agency, UK]
Under the Skin: A People’s Case for Prison Needle and Syringe Programs February 2010
What do people in prison have to say about the Canadian government’s unwillingness to permit the distribution of clean needles in prison? How has this policy, that denies the realities of injection drug use in prison, affected individuals who are struggling with drug addiction? And what does this mean for the community as a whole? PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Drugs, Homelessness & Health: Homeless Youth Speak Out About Harm Reduction January 2010
The Shout Clinic Harm Reduction Report, 2010 [Wellesley Institute, Canada]
2009
Adult family members and carers of dependent drug users – full report November 2009
The full 55-page PDF report by Prof. Alex Copello, Lorna Templeton and Dr Jane Powell [UKDPC]
HIV testing and counselling in prisons and other closed settings November 2009
This position statement aims to ensure: That people held in prisons and other closed settings are not left out of efforts to scale up access to HIV testing and counselling, as part of broader efforts to scale up access to comprehensive and evidence-based HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for prisoners [UNODC / WHO]
Legislative Innovation in Drug Policy November 2009
This briefing summarizes good practices in legislative reforms around the world, representing steps away from a repressive zero-tolerance model towards a more evidence-based and humane drug policy. Full 20-page PDF [TNI via IHRA]
From corrections to the community October 2009
A set of indicators of the health of Australia’s prisoners [AIHW, Australia]
Document Collection on Overdose October 2009
This collection brings together [50] documents that provide the best information on overdose and overdose prevention [IHRA]
Shooting Up: Infections among injecting drug users in the United Kingdom 2008 October 2009
A 32-page PDF update [Health Protection Agency, UK]
Needle & Syringe Program Return on Investment Study October 2009
The study seeks to analyse the effectiveness of needle and syringe programs in preventing transmission of HIV, and hepatitis C (HCV) in Australia from 1991 (that is from when NSPs were well established in all jurisdictions except Tasmania) to the end of 2000. 166-page PDF Summary report [Department of Health, Australia]
Needle and Syringe Program November 2009
Return on investment 2: evaluating the cost-effectiveness of needle and syringe programs in Australia 2009 [DoH, Australia]
Return on Investment 2 October 2009
A evaluation report published by Commonwealth Department of Health, conducted by a team of investigators at the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. 2MB PDF [Australian Government]
Needle and syringe programmes October 2009
Needle and syringe programmes: providing people who inject drugs with injecting equipment [NICE, UK]
Evidence for the effectiveness and cost–effectiveness of interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm September 2009
The WHO European Region has the highest proportion of total ill health and premature death caused by alcohol in the world. The effectiveness of alcohol policies in reducing this harm has been evaluated mainly in North America and northern Europe, but the general principles are applicable across societies and countries 2MB PDF [WHO]
Handbook for action to reduce alcohol-related harm
Every country in the WHO European Region has some form of alcohol action plan. This handbook helps them review, adjust or strengthen their plans to further reduce the harm caused by alcohol 538KB PDF [WHO]
IHRA Release Position Statement Defining Harm Reduction September 2009
After months of discussion and consultation with partners, the Board of Directors and staff have released a detailed position statement defining the term ‘harm reduction’ [International Harm Reduction Association]
New IHRA Report: From Evidence to Action September 2009
Among the many notable events happening in and around Harm Reduction 2009: IHRA’s 20th International Conference in Bangkok were the highly publicised keynote speeches by Professor Michel Kazatchkine (Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria) and Craig McClure (Executive Director of the International AIDS Society) [International Harm Reduction Association]
Untreatable or just hard to treat? September 2009
Results of the Randomised Injectable Opioid Treatment Trial (RIOTT) [King’s Health Partners, UK]
The Victorian Drug Statistics Handbook September 2009
Patterns of drug use and related harm in Victoria for the period July 2006 to June 2007. 288-page PDF [Mental Health and Drugs Division Department of Human Services (Victoria), Australia]
Under the influence – the damaging effect of alcohol marketing on young people September 2009
This report examines the damaging effect of alcohol marketing on young people. It aims to identify effective ways of protecting young people from the influence of alcohol promotion and marketing, thereby redressing the excessively pro-alcohol social norms to which they are exposed. 58-page PDF [BMA, UK]
Blueprint drugs education: the response of pupils and parents to the programme September 2009
This executive summary (which comes from the final report), focuses on the second stage of the Blueprint evaluation. It sets out to assess how pupils and parents responded to the programme, pupils’ awareness and knowledge of drug use, their perception of drug use and acceptability of drug use among same-age peers, and the quality and frequency of parent-child communication on drugs [Home Office, UK]
Doing Better for Children September 2009
This unique report was commissioned by the Scottish Recovery Network and is the result of a long-standing project to investigate carers’ perspectives of recovery and experiences supporting recovery. 47-page PDF [Scottish Recovery Network, UK]
FEAD (Film Exchange on Alcohol and Drugs) August 2009
A resource that brings short video presentations from leading figures in the alcohol and drugs field direct to your screen. The contributors cover a range of topics honestly and directly – including: achievements, problem areas, and reflections on the field’s history. Many people have found the website useful in helping discussions and expanding on practice and theory. Please feel free to use the material to enrich your events, seminars, groups, teaching etc
A comprehensive review of international and national research and literature in order to: Identify and document best practice with regard to primary and secondary prevention of substance use (completed in part 1) – Identify and document the range and levels of current programmes, strategies, interventions and resources available for parents in this regard (completed in part 2). 50-page PDF [Crosscare, Ireland]
Drug policy reform in practice August 2009
This article provides an overview of European drug policy practices regarding harm reduction, decriminalization of consumption and possession, and more tolerant policies towards cannabis, particularly in The Netherlands and several states in the US. 19-page PDF [TNI, Netherlands & Nueva Sociedad]
Effective weed control August 2009
A guide for people trying to cut down or stop using cannabis. 53-page PDF [Turning Point, Australia]
Preventing Overdose, Saving Lives August 2009
Strategies for Combating a National Crisis. 24-page PDF [Drug Policy Alliance, USA]
Harm Reduction in Prison: The Moldova Model July 2009
This report focuses on the introduction of harm reduction programmes in Moldovan prisons and describes successes achieved as well as remaining challenges. 70-page PDF [IDPC]
Delivering effective needle and syringe programmes presentations now available July 2009
Presentations and notes from this conference, held on 1 July 2009, are now available [NTA, UK]
Discussion Forum: Supervised Injection Site Evaluative Research June 2009
Despite the wealth of research conducted to date, questions continue to arise regarding aspects of Insite’s operations and impact, the level of evidence deemed sufficient to support various courses of action, and the next steps and longer-term plans necessary to best meet the needs of the target population. 11-page PDF [CCSA, Canada]
Assessing Parolees’ Health Care Needs and Potential Access to Health Care Services in California June 2009
Health Care Needs Are High, but Mental Health and Drug Treatment Needs Are Even Higher [RAND, USA]
Overdose Prevention and Response June 2009
A Guide for People Who Use Drugs and Harm Reduction Staff in Eastern Europe and Central Asia 86-page PDF [Open Society Institute, USA]
Preventing Overdose, Saving Lives June 2009
By expanding the availability of low-risk, low-cost overdose interventions and improving education and outreach for people at high risk of overdose, policymakers can help to prevent the tragic and unnecessary loss of life. 24-page PDF [DPA, USA]
Understanding the Public Health Implications of Prisoner Reentry in California June 2009
Examining the demographic and health profiles of the prison population shows that it is disproportionately sicker on average than the U.S. population in general, with substantially higher rates of infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis B and C), serious mental illness, and substance abuse disorders. 220-page PDF [RAND, USA]
A national physician survey on prescribing syringes as an HIV prevention measure June 2009
Physicians within their medical practice have an important opportunity to intervene in substance abuse behavior on an individual level. Prescribing syringes to IDUs should figure among such interventions because it can help prevent the transmission of bloodborne disease and enhance overall IDU care27-page PDF [Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, USA]
The Effects of Substance Use on Workplace Injuries June 2009
This paper describes associations between substance use and occupational injuries and proposes reasons that substance use may be linked to work-related accidents. 55-page PDF [RAND, USA]
Clean Switch: The Case for Prison Needle and Syringe Programs in Canada June 2009
This paper outlines the available evidence and the legal rationale, under federal Canadian and international human rights law, for Canada to implement PNSPs without delay. 44-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation June 2009
This examination looked at all the main publicly-funded treatment and rehabilitation services provided for persons with addiction to illegal drugs. In particular, it looked at the extent to which the demand for treatment and rehabilitation services is met, and the timeliness of access to treatment. It also looked at the extent to which the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation services are evaluated, and the effectiveness of the arrangements for coordination of treatment and rehabilitation at an individual case level, and nationally. 96-page PDF [Comptroller and Auditor General, Ireland]
Measuring the harm from illegal drugs June 2009
A summary of the Drug Harm Index 2006 [Home Office, UK]
Australian Guidelines: To reduce health risks from drinking alcohol June 2009
These 2009 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines aim to establish the evidence base for future policies and community materials on reducing the health risks that arise from drinking alcohol. 179-pagePDF [NHMRC, Australia]
No reason to deny hepatitis C treatment to methadone patients June 2009
Methadone patients stick with therapy for hepatitis C disease and do as well as other patients, bolstering the case for drug services to encourage clients to consider diagnostic testing and therapy [Drug and Alcohol Findings, UK]
It’s their own fault for doing drugs May 2009
Inaugural Professorial Lecture May 2009 – This lecture explored the negative impact of the war on drugs upon drug users [Professor Julian Buchanan, Glyndwr University, Wales, UK]
Why are the rates of hepatitis higher in Aboriginal injecting drug users. Part 1 May 2009
[Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League]
Why are the rates of hepatitis higher in Aboriginal injecting drug users. Part 2 May 2009
[Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League]
Drug Use, Sex Work and the Risk Environment in Dublin May 2009
The physical, economic and social environments within which drug-using sex workers find themselves impact on their construction of ‘risk’ and ‘harm’. 208-page PDF [NACD, Ireland]
Needle and syringe programmes March 2009
Needle and syringe programmes: providing people who inject drugs with injecting equipment [National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, UK]
Harm Reduction and Human Rights January 2009
This report provides a concise overview of the global situation in terms of drug-related HIV epidemics worldwide, with a particular focus on the regions of Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub Saharan Africa. 26-page PDF [IHRA]
Needle Exchange Provision in Ireland January 2009
The Context, Current Levels of Service Provision and Recommendations A 52-page PDF Joint Report by the [National Drugs Strategy Team and National Advisory Committee on Drugs]
2008
Guidance on standards for the establishment and operation of drug consumption rooms in the UK December 2008
This report provides essential guidance for local multi-agency partnerships that are contemplating establishing and operating a drug consumption room (DCR) in the UK [Joseph Rowntree Foundation, UK]
New guidance – Good practice in harm reduction October 2008
The 36-page PDF guide will help service providers and commissioners improve harm reduction service for drug users [NTA, UK]
Global State of Harm Reduction 2008 [May 2008]
Mapping the response to drug-related HIV and hepatitis C epidemics. Full report 6MB PDF [IHRA]
Public Order and Supervised Injection Facilities [April 2008]
Vancouver’s SIS. 29-page OPDF [Neil Boyd, J. Bryan Kinney, Carla McLean, Jon Heidt and Isabel Otter, Canada]
Harm Reduction Developments 2008 [April 2008]
Countries with Injection-Driven HIV Epidemics. 84- page PDF [Open Society Institute]
Pre 2008
Monograph #6 A systematic review of harm reduction [December 2005]
This monograph (No. 06) reports on the systematic review of harm reduction. Harm reduction was defined as policies and interventions that focus on reducing the harms associated with drug use, not the amount of drug used. The following interventions were reviewed: needle syringe programs; supervised injecting facilities; non-injecting routes of administration; outreach; HIV education and information and HIV testing and counselling; brief interventions (aimed at harm reduction); overdose prevention interventions and legal and regulatory frameworks. There is substantial evidentiary support for NSP – as an efficacious, effective and cost-effective intervention. There is also good evidentiary support for outreach. The other harm reduction interventions (supervised injecting facilities, non-injecting routes of administration, overdose prevention, and brief interventions) do not currently have a sufficiently large body of research knowledge to draw strong conclusions. There is little evidence for HIV education and information and HIV testing and counselling as behaviour change interventions.
New Zealand Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme Review [2005]
The Centre for Harm Reduction was commissioned to review New Zealand’s Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) in March 2002 to assess whether the NSEP is working in the most effective and efficient way possible within available resources. The report includes recommendations for action to improve the effectiveness of needle exchange services in New Zealand
Burnet Institute
Harm Reduction for IDU’s in Vietnam [2005]
A situation assessment detailing the National AIDS Standing Bureau, Vietnam and the Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research project aimed at increasing institutional capacity to respond to the current HIV epidemic among injecting drug users and to develop effective, sustainable and culturally appropriate harm reduction interventions.
Burnet Institute
The Vietnamese Harm Reduction Project: Stage 2 [2005]
Report on the Stage 2 project, undertaken as a continuation of the original The Vietnamese Harm Reduction and IDU project. Stage 2 provided an opportunity to build on and expand earlier research findings and respond to some of the questions and issues raised by the former project. Findings from the former project indicated that patterns of drug use amongst the heroin users of Vietnamese ethnicity in the study differed significantly from Anglo-Australian users, typically found in the literature [Burnet Institute]
Economic Evaluation of Hepatitis C [August 2005]
The Australian Government and State and Territory Governments have committed to a variety of harm reduction, prevention and education initiatives in order to mitigate the spread of hepatitis C and other blood borne viruses. About 90% of incident cases of hepatitis C occur amongst injecting drug users (IDUs). This report is an economic evaluation of programs to control the hepatitis C epidemic [The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing]
Needle and syringe program policy and guidelines for NSW [2005]
This document outlines the broad operational guidelines for Needle and Syringe Programs. It is intended as a framework within which Area Health Services can develop detailed operational guidelines appropriate to their own setting [NSW Department of Health, Australia]
Pointing the Way: Harm Reduction in Kyrgyz Republic [May 2005]
Unlike many countries in the former Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan has responded to the spread of HIV infection with an aggressive plan to reduce health risks associated with drug use, including measures to protect those unable or unwilling to stop injecting drugs
International Harm Reduction Development Program
Harm reduction policies and programs for persons involved in the criminal justice system [May 2005]
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), May, 2005
Protecting the Human Rights of Injecting Drug Users: The Impact of HIV and AIDS [February 2005]
Compiling statements given at the 2004 session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, this IHRD-produced volume argues that unduly strict interpretation of UN drug control treaties undermines HIV prevention efforts by discouraging countries from implementing effective, realistic, and compassionate public health policies
International Harm Reduction Development Program
Providing access to and encouraging utilization of sterile needles and syringes for IDUs is now generally considered to be a fundamental component of any comprehensive and effective HIV-prevention programme. [World Health Organization 2004]
The National HIV/AIDS Strategy 1999-2000 to 2003-2004: Changes and Challenges [2004]
Published by Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care
Evaluation of the Supervised Injection Site – Year One Summary [2004]
BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, September 17, 2004
Status Paper on Prisons, Drugs and Harm Reduction [2004]
The Status Paper on Prisons, Drugs and Harm Reduction was adopted at the WHO International Meeting on Prisons and Health in De Leeuwenhorst, the Netherlands on 22 October 2004.
WHO
Lessons Not Learned: Human Rights Abuses and HIV/AIDS in the Russian Federation [2004]
This 62-page report documents how harsh drug policies and routine police harassment of injection drug users—the population hit hardest by AIDS in Russia—impedes their access or makes them afraid to seek basic HIV-prevention services such as syringe exchange, which is available in other countries around the world
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: D1605 April 28, 2004
A review of the evidence-base for harm reduction approaches to drug use [2003]
This overview addresses both understandings of harm reduction and summarises its key principles before going on to consider the strength and nature of the evidence of the effectiveness of various forms of ‘harm reduction’ intervention. In doing so, some consideration is also given to criticisms of harm reduction that are occasionally encountered
Neil Hunt, contributions from Mike Ashton, Simon Lenton, Luke Mitcheson, Bill Nelles and Gerry Stimson Forward Thinking on Drugs 2003
Manual for Reducing Drug Related Harm in Asia (2003) [2003]
This Manual contains the accumulated experience of over decade of attempts to change policy and implement programs to stop HIV and other harms among drug users, collected over several years from many countries in Asia
Burnet Institute
Injecting Reason: Human Rights and HIV Prevention for Injection Drug Users California: A Case Study [2003]
Government interference with sterile syringe programs is thwarting HIV prevention efforts in California
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: G1502 September 9, 2003
Fanning the Flames: How Human Rights Abuses are Fueling the AIDS Epidemic in Kazakhstan [2003]
Human rights abuse against injection drug users and sex workers in Kazakhstan is fueling one of the fastest growing AIDS epidemics in the world
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: D1504 June 30, 2003
Locked Doors: The Human Rights of People Living with HIV/AIDS in China [2003]
Widespread discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS is fueling the spread of the epidemic in China. This 94-page report is based on more than 30 interviews with people with HIV/AIDS, police officers, drug users, and AIDS outreach workers in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Yunnan province
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: C1507 September 3, 2003
Abusing the User: Police Misconduct, Harm Reduction and HIV/AIDS in Vancouver [2003]
An anti-drug crackdown by the Vancouver Police Department has driven injection drug users away from life-saving HIV prevention services, raising fears of a new wave of HIV transmission in the city that is already home to the worst AIDS crisis in the developed world
Human Rights Watch HRW Index No.: 1502B May 7, 2003
Reducing the harm of drugs [2003]
Some have perceived a contradiction between drug prevention and treatment on the one hand and efforts to reduce the negative health and social consequences of drug use on the other. However, in a new discussion paper, UNODC says that these are in fact complementary rather than contradictory [UNODC]
International law tackles harm reduction [2002]
It has emerged from a legal study published by the Pompidou Group (1), some extracts of which are given below, that harm reduction strategies can sometimes be in contradiction with the international drug control laws. Two experimental harm reduction strategies have come up against legal barriers in this way: drug testing at rave parties and the medical prescription of heroin for relapsed drug users
Professor Brice de Ruyver University of Gand, Belgium 2002
Dependent on Rights: Assessing Treatment of Drug Dependence from a Human Rights Perspective
Social attitudes toward, and criminalization of, people who use illegal drugs have apparently influenced the practice and policy of treatment for drug dependence in many countries. The already precarious human rights situation of people who use drugs is compounded by the inability of a large percentage of them to receive humane, effective, timely and affordable treatment for their addiction. 46-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Sticking Points: Barriers to Access to Needle and Syringe Programs in Canada
Barriers persist that prevent people who use drugs from free access to sufficient sterile injection equipment. 47-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Harm Reduction Policies and Programs for Persons of Aboriginal Descent
A 20-page document created to inform the implementation of policies and programs for reducing harm associated with substance abuse by people of aboriginal descent [CCSA/CCLAT, Canada]
International Human Rights Jurisprudence on Issues Relating to Drug Use and Harm Reduction
Commissioned by the Open Society Institute Law and Health Initiative, this research paper reviews jurisprudence from treaty-monitoring bodies of the United Nations and selected regional and national human rights courts that can be used to advocate for the human rights of people who use drugs. 24-page PDF [Open Society Institute, USA]
HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care, Treatment and Support in Prison Settings
A Framework for an Effective National Response. 50-page PDF [WHO/UNAIDS]
This 57-page PDF report found that routine police harassment and arrest – as well as the lasting effects of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s 2003 drug war – keeps drug users from receiving lifesaving HIV information and services that Thailand has pledged to provide [Human Rights Watch]
AIDS in South Asia: Understanding and Responding to a Heterogeneous Epidemic
A 131-page PDF report analyzing South Asia’s HIV/AIDS epidemic and offering recommendations for halting its spread [World Bank, UNODC]
Return on Investment in Needle and Syringe Programs in Australia – Report
The study updates and expands a study previously undertaken by Hurley, Jolley and Kaldor which investigated the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of needle and syringe programs in relation to HIV/AIDS
The Vietnamese Injecting Drug Use & Harm Reduction Study: Stage 1
In 1995, the Centre for Harm Reduction conducted a collaborative, exploratory study, the VIDU study, as the beginning of a program of research, specifically targeting Vietnamese IDUs. The study was the first of its kind in Victoria, Australia and the first to document extremely high rates of HCV in this group
Burnet Institute
Capacity Building for IDUs India
Report on capacity building for HIV prevention among injecting drug users
Burnet Institute
Needle Exchange Provision in Scotland
A Report of the National Needle Exchange Survey [NHS – Scotland, UK]
Position paper – Australian National Council on Drugs
WHO Releases Report On Role In Supporting 3 By 5 Initiative
The report – which follows the release of a 2005 report that says WHO missed its 3 by 5 Initiative target – identifies future collaboration opportunities between WHO and partners and gives recommendations for the “way forward” [WHO]
Substitution maintenance therapy in the management of opioid dependence and HIV/AIDS prevention
WHO/UNODC/UNAIDS position paper
Evidence for Action on HIV/AIDS and Injecting Drug Use
5 Policy briefs [WHO]
The Report of the Independent Working Group on Drug Consumption Rooms
A detailed examination of whether Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) should be introduced in the UK [JRF, UK]
Legislating for Health and Human Rights: Model Law on Drug Use and HIV/AIDS
Many countries with injection-driven HIV/AIDS epidemics continue to emphasize criminal enforcement of drug laws over public health approaches, thereby missing or even hindering effective responses to HIV/AIDS. There is considerable evidence that numerous interventions to prevent HIV transmission and reduce other harms associated with injection drug use are feasible, effective as public health measures and cost-effective [Aidslaw, Canada]
Preventing HIV Infection among Injecting Drug Users in High Risk Countries
An Assessment of the Evidence – a free online publication authored by the Board on Global Health (BGH) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) [National Academic Press, USA]
Monitoring Drug Policy Outcomes: The Measurement of Drug Related Harm
This latest Report from the Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme looks at the various attempts by governments and academic institutions to develop a methodology for assessing and measuring the level of drug related harm, in order to better understand the impact of illegal drug use on society, and of policies and programmes that aim to reduce that impact
Closed to Reason: The International Narcotic Board and HIV/AIDS
A 37-page report arguing that the International Narcotics Board hampers efforts to address the HIV epidemic among injecting drug users [Policy Pointers Worldwide]
Hepatitis C in prisons is a public health crisis tied to current drug policy’s emphasis on the mass incarceration of drug users. Prison policy acts as a barrier to hepatitis C care by limiting medical care for the infected, especially drug users, and by inhibiting public health measures addressing the epidemic [SSRN / University of California, Los Angeles – School of Law, USA]
How Effective is Micro Harm Reduction in Reducing Macro Harm?
MacCoun (1996) distinguishes between micro and macro harm reduction and notes that reducing micro harm (harm per unit of use) may or may not reduce macro (aggregate) harm depending on its effect on use. We present a simple model that relates micro and macro harm through five parameters: price, quantity, elasticity of demand, elasticity of supply, and the social cost of drug use. Parameterizing the relationship for the US cocaine market in 1992 suggests that about 75% of the apparent benefit of reducing micro harm experienced by users would be offset by increases in use. This suggests that reducing micro harm experienced by users has merit but that reducing the costs drugs impose on non-users may merit greater attention, since reducing those costs carries no risk of being offset by increases in use
Jonathan P. Caulkins Carnegie Mellon, Heinz School
HIV/AIDS and Drug Misuse in Russia: Harm Reduction Programmes and the Russian Legal System
Professor Butler’s report breaks new ground in the HIV/AIDS prevention literature by reviewing harm reduction initiatives and programmes in the context of Russian and international law.
International Family Health
Lessons from a Comprehensive Review of International Evidence and Experience 109-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
Ukraine: Anti-AIDS Efforts Undermined by Rights Abuses
The 84-page report, “Rhetoric and Risk: Human Rights Abuses Impeding Ukraine’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS,” documents how draconian drug laws and routine police abuse of injection drug users – the population hardest hit by HIV/AIDS in Ukraine – keep them from receiving lifesaving HIV information and services that the government has pledged to provide [Human Rights watch, USA]
Prescribing heroin: what is the evidence?
Until recently, the UK was the only country in the world that allowed doctors to prescribe heroin for the treatment of opiate dependence. The Government wants heroin prescribing to increase and to be made available to all those who have a clinical need for it. This report, by Gerry Stimson and Nicky Metrebian from the Centre for Research on Drugs and Health Behaviour at Imperial College, looks at the reasons for international interest in prescribing heroin. It critically examines the research, clinical, political and practical challenges to expanding heroin prescribing in the UK
Gerry V. Stimson and Nicky Metrebian Joseph Rowntree Foundation (ISBN 1 85935 082 8)
Key documents on HIV prevention and care for Injecting Drug Users
The (Australian) National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre has recently assessed the top 50 papers on harm reduction and HIV. Eighteen topics were covered [International Harm Reduction Association]
Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS
Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS: focus on progress over the past 12 months – Report of the Secretary-Genera. 23-page PDF l [United Nations]
Dependent on Rights: Assessing Treatment of Drug Dependence from a Human Rights Perspective
Social attitudes toward, and criminalization of, people who use illegal drugs have apparently influenced the practice and policy of treatment for drug dependence in many countries. The already precarious human rights situation of people who use drugs is compounded by the inability of a large percentage of them to receive humane, effective, timely and affordable treatment for their addiction. 46-page PDF [Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network]
HIV/AIDS in prisons in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union
This info sheet reviews what is known about HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C in prisons, with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. (28-page PDF) [Aidslaw, Canada]
Ukraine: Anti-AIDS Efforts Undermined by Rights Abuses
The 84-page report, “Rhetoric and Risk: Human Rights Abuses Impeding Ukraine’s Fight Against HIV/AIDS,” documents how draconian drug laws and routine police abuse of injection drug users – the population hardest hit by HIV/AIDS in Ukraine – keep them from receiving lifesaving HIV information and services that the government has pledged to provide [Human Rights watch, USA]
“Unlocking Potential: Making Prisons Safe for Everyone”
Report of the 8th European Conference of Drug and HIV/AIDS Services in Prison 149-page PDF [ENDIPP, Europe]
Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS
Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS: focus on progress over the past 12 months – Report of the Secretary-Genera. 23-page PDF l [United Nations]
Harm reduction approaches to injecting drug use
[WHO]