News | Addiction and substance misuse

News

Nitazenes linked to 179 deaths in 12 months, government data show

According to data analysis by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, protonitazene was linked to the most reported deaths — 73 out of 179.…

Published: 9 October 2024

News

UK’s first safe drug consumption room expected to open in October 2024

The safe drug consumption facility will allow people to use illegal drugs in a sterile environment at Hunter Street Health and Social Care Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.…

Published: 22 August 2024

News

Deaths related to drug misuse in Scotland rose by almost 12% in 2023

The National Records of Scotland data show that opioids were implicated in 80% of the misuse-related deaths in 2023.…

Published: 20 August 2024

News

Largest ever trial of ketamine to treat alcohol abuse to launch across eight NHS sites

The phase III clinical trial will explore the use of low-dose ketamine combined with psychological support as a therapy for people with alcohol use disorder.…

Published: 19 August 2024

News

One in ten people with chronic pain could experience opioid dependence, suggest study results

The pooled prevalence of dependence and opioid use disorder was 9.3% across 148 studies, but the researchers say high heterogeneity means the results should be “interpreted with caution”.…

Published: 9 August 2024

Opinion

People with substance use disorders need more compassion from community pharmacy

Several factors impact how services are delivered across integrated care boards that offer NHS Inclusion drug treatment services, making it increasingly difficult for people with substance use disorders to access the care they need when and where they need it.…

Published: 24 July 2024

Feature

Medical drone deliveries: a viable option for the NHS?

In this episode of The PJ Pod, we speak to experts who are testing the feasibility of using drones to deliver NHS medicines.…

Published: 10 July 2024

News

First UK safe drug consumption room could open by September 2024, says local authority

Exclusive: A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said its safe drug consumption room may be able to open ahead of schedule.…

Published: 25 June 2024

News

SNP pledges ‘framework’ for drug consumption rooms in manifesto

As part of its manifesto for the UK general election, the Scottish National Party also said it would decriminalise drugs for personal use.…

Published: 20 June 2024

News

Pharmacists to be central in delivery of campaign to cut prescribing of high-risk pain medicines

NHS Fife's 'Pain Talking' campaign is aimed at giving patients better control over chronic pain management and promoting non-medical treatment.…

Published: 10 June 2024