A real impact
Drink and Drugs News (DDN Magazine)
Substance misuse news, opinion and jobs for professionals and free guide to treatment and rehab for people in addiction.
'There's a misconception that substance use is a moral failing, but it's much more complex than that,' writes Change Grow Live 's Kevin Ruddock in our latest issue.
Delving specifically into the narrative relating to substance use treatment for Black and minority ethnic communities, he acknowledges that there isn't one simple solution. Structural racism, economic inequality, and a lack of access to mental health support make it harder to seek help, he says. A vital first step is to understand the barriers people face so we can help them overcome them – and he offers an imaginative and helpful approach to this.
We always value your responses and ideas. Why not start off the year with a letter or article in DDN? We'd love to hear from you.
Happy New Year!
Claire Brown
Editor
News
Make alcohol harm a ‘top priority’ for 2025, campaigners urge Streeting
A letter to health secretary Wes Streeting from members of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA) is urging the government to make alcohol harm a top priority for 2025.
News
Lack of funding certainty putting stop smoking services at risk
The lack of certainty around long-term funding for stop smoking initiatives is putting services at risk, warns a new report from Action on Smoking and Health (UK) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) .
Online Event
Exploring cultural experiences of stigma
Thursday 23rd January, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
The stigma of drug and alcohol use within some minoritised communities can create barriers to treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes and inequality of access to support needed. Join the Anti-Stigma Network 's guest speakers as they talk about this and answer your questions on some of the complexities involved in additional barriers to accessing support.
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Feature
Review of the year
With the National Crime Agency (NCA) warning that taking drugs has ‘never been more dangerous’, the field continues to come to terms with the growing presence of highly potent synthetic substances in the country’s drug markets.
Partner Update
Social Interest Group’s Gill Arukpe Awarded MBE
Social Interest Group ’s CEO Gill Arukpe has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list in recognition of her remarkable 46-year career in the charity sector. Her dedication and tireless efforts have significantly impacted the lives of countless vulnerable individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
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Medical Cannabis Patient & Cannabis Legalisation Supporter
2 个月It is great to expand on the complexities of drug use and problems. The narrative always seems to focus on the negatives of drug use, rather than the the therapeutic use of drugs in a recreational context. Which is strange, because it IS the norm - apart from drugs like crack, meth, opiates, synthetic -cannabinoids etc and yet these things are illegal. What about drug use which requires no support, that has no cause other than people liking drugs and enjoying them without harm, in most incidences of drug use? I know that it is important to find root causes and treat addictions and problems people have. Some of my work is in that field. I think it is important to add however: Most people who use drugs, be it alcohol, cannabis ecstacy, ketamine, magic mushrooms and LSD and cocaine have not got a dependence or any other sort of problem. They do it simply because they like it. This vast majority seem to be ignored in these discussions. I appreciate Kevin using the term substance use, because the blanket term substance misuse is often used incorrectly. I don't know anybody who misuses cannabis for example. They eat, drink, vape or smoke it. Misuse would be trying to use it as a hanglider, a visual aid or a doorstop.