DS Daily - 25th June 2010

Trends in injecting drug use in Europe

This volume brings together data from a wide variety of sources as it describes Europe’s current drug injecting problem and plots its trends in recent years - PDF [EMCDDA]

New UN drugs tsar must be a leader on human rights

China's likely execution of drug dealers this week should inspire UN to choose a drugs tsar who will avoid complicity in abuses [Guardian, UK]

Russia must not be rewarded with key UN drugs post

The strongly rumoured appointment of Yuri Fedotov, the current Russian Ambassador to the UK, as the new Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Crime and Drugs (UNODC), would be a step backwards for the organisation’s future work on HIV, drug use and human rights [International Harm Reduction Association]

Ignorance of alcohol in Wales damaging our health

A study has revealed widespread ignorance about sensible drinking limits, units and the link between alcohol and diseases such as cancer [Wales Online, UK]

Welfare cuts put added health strain on population

Analysis of European data showed that a £70 reduction in welfare spending per person is associated with a 2.8% rise in alcohol-related deaths and 1.2% rise in deaths from heart disease [BBC, UK]

Alcohol and drugs reduce creativity, psychiatrist warns

The idea that alcohol and drugs can stimulate artists, writers and musicians to create great works of art is a dangerous myth and they can actually stifle creativity, a Scots psychiatrist has said [The Herald, Scotland, UK]

Alcohol commissioning skills survey

The AERC Alcohol Academy is seeking the views of those with a responsibility or interest in alcohol commissioning skills and knowledge. If you are an alcohol lead, commissioner or other professional in the field please complete the online survey or disseminate to relevant colleagues. It only takes 10 minutes! [Alcohol Learning Centre, UK]

Alcohol segmentation reports

A series of four reports utilising segmentation tools to discuss alcohol have been produced by the Liverpool John Moores University (JMU) Centre for Public Health [Alcohol Policy UK]

A road to change

Ballymun community alcohol strategy [Ballymun Local Drugs Task Force, Ireland]

Alcohol charity welcomes new ‘life saver’ drink-driving legislation

Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol related issues, today welcomed the passing of legislation lowering the drink driving limit and allowing for mandatory alcohol testing in injury-related accidents but called for stricter penalties on those flouting the new limits [Alcohol Action Ireland]