DS Daily - 7th January 2011 |
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Whole Person Recovery - a user-centred systems approach to problem drug misuse
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]
Voluntary group concerns over cuts in social budgets
Our main concern is for people who perhaps do not have a voice or find it difficult to access services when in crisis [BBC, UK]
Taking the magic mushroom drug psilocybin for a trial
Last summer, while filming for my new BBC4 series, The Brain - A Secret History, I took part in the UK's first scientific trial of psilocybin - the active component of magic mushrooms. It was one of the strangest experiences of my life - Dr Michael Mosley [BBC, UK]
Most unusual drug smuggling attempts of 2010
UK Border Agency reveals last year's most unusual drug concealments discovered at ports by skilled officers [Home Office, UK]
In pictures: Unusual drug smuggling methods
Unusual failed drug smuggling methods discovered by the UK Border Agency [BBC, UK]
South West Offender Exclusion Report
This paper produced by the Centre for Mental Health, in collaboration with the South West region, looks at how to improve the joint commissioning landscape for alcohol harm reduction in offender management [Alcohol Learning Centre, UK]
Price of alcohol abuse
Hospitals in Greater Manchester treat 186 drinkers every day [Manchester Evening News, UK]
Genetic vulnerability increases risk of teen smokers continuing the habit
Researchers have uncovered two genetic variants that make teenagers more likely to become heavy smokers [Institute of Psychiatry, UK]
Social media can be a saviour for people with mental health problems - when it's used right
When people seek out the right places, such as Facebook pages run and regularly moderated by charities like Rethink, these sites can help people confront and cope with serious problems [Rethink, UK]
Prison and Risks
The HCLU presents its study on risks related to blood borne and sexually transmitted infections and drug use in the Hungarian prison system, based on interviews with formerly incarcerated injecting drug users [Drug Reporter, Hungary]
Methadone Treatment Protocol Review Launched
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]
Fragmentation of services slammed
The “fragmentation” between mental health and addiction services for dual diagnosis patients has been criticised in the wide-ranging HSE review of the Methadone Treatment Protocol 1998 [Irish Medical Times]
Aboriginals more likely to OD, says study
Aboriginal people are far more likely than other British Columbians to die of a drug overdose, a new study says [The Gazette, Canada]
Nearly Half of Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities Offer Mentoring
Individuals who have achieved recovery can offer valuable social support for those looking to start or maintain their own recovery process [SAMHSA]
Acceptance of Private Health Insurance in Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities
In 2008, nearly two thirds (65 percent) of substance abuse treatment facilities accepted some private health insurance as a form of client paymen [SAMHSA, USA]
Judge throws out Anna Nicole Smith aides' drug verdicts
A judge has dismissed drug conspiracy charges against the boyfriend and psychiatrist of Anna Nicole Smith [BBC, UK]
Prison reform: A smart way for states to save money and lives
We can no longer afford business as usual with prisons. The criminal justice system is broken, and conservatives must lead the way in fixing it - Newt Gingrich [Washington Post, USA]
Hi Mommy
The emotional reunion between 'Golden Voice' beggar and his 92-year-old mother after ten years [Daily Mail, UK]
Smokers who ask for help are more likely to quit
The traditional New Year’s resolution, together with the January 1 tobacco tax increase, has prompted a record number of smokers to contact Quit to get help to stop smoking [Scoop, New Zealand]