Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is becoming increasingly popular. And yet, recent research suggests that combining the two could be risky, more so than drinking alcohol on its own or with more traditional mixers such as coca-cola or...
Multi-prong therapies centred on the family emerge as probably the most effective in this comprehensive and careful synthesis of the results of trials of non-residential programmes for substance using teenagers - but do the outcomes warrant...
One of our selection of hot topics, analyses of important issues which sometimes generate heated debate. Programmes distributing the opiate overdose antidote naloxone have become the great new hope for curbing the rise in drug-related...
Further evidence from England that the ‘Tough Choices’ schemes which force people arrested for certain offences to be tested for heroin or cocaine use and if positive to be assessed for treatment do not pay back in terms of treatment...
This manual is designed to teach cultural competence concepts, values, and strategies for engagement and treatment with Hispanics and Latinos with substance use disorders (SUD). The manual introduces a basic understanding of cultural...
A recent paper published in the International Journal of Drug Policy addresses the current health responses to new psychoactive substances (NPS), highlighting key issues to inform the planning and implementation of adequate responses in the...
Fortnightly instalment of online course on alcohol treatment research starts with a study which concluded that “leaders have a cascading impact on their staff in ways other than through mandate”. Findings that post-training ‘coaching’ is...
Contingency management (CM) is a widely used behavioural therapy for substance use disorders. It offers material rewards for attending sessions and adhering to prescribed medication courses, amongst other positive behaviours.
A study...
Recently published in the journal Pediatrics, the first prospective study of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) – chemicals that mimic the effects of marijuana – links depressive symptoms and marijuana and alcohol consumption with an increased...
According to a new study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, US college students who consume medium-to-high levels of alcohol and marijuana have a consistently lower grade point average (GPA).
The investigation compared...
A new study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry claims that one’s desire for cocaine may be reduced by blocking signalling from a specific system in the brain primarily responsible for promoting wakefulness and appetite.
The...
Recently published in the journal Addictive Behaviors, a new study claims the existence of a link between childhood abuse and opioid use later in life.
According to the investigation, emotional abuse, specifically, more so than sexual or...
Robust messages for the government from the UK’s official drug policy advisers:
‘Community coalitions’ is a preventative strategy that coordinates activities and resources to reduce adolescent substance use and delinquent behaviour, mobilising communities in the promotion of health and prevention initiatives.
Commun...
Findings recently revealed in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews and the Journal of Neuroscience suggest the cerebellum is co-responsible for the alterations in the brain that are linked with excessive substance abuse.
This goes...
A recent survey which looked at the drug habits of over 20,000 US high-school athletes has found those who play high-contact sports, such as hockey, are more likely to use heroin and prescription opioids for non-medicinal purposes.
The...
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care has issued a new evidence-based guideline for combatting tobacco use by children and young adults aged 5 – 18, suggesting that physicians ought to have a more active role in the prevention...