News | Addiction and substance misuse

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

News

Pregabalin prescribing increases by almost 25% since restrictions imposed

Exclusive: Almost 670,000 patients in England were prescribed pregabalin when it was first reclassified in 2018/2019, compared with more than 820,000 patients in 2023/2024.…

Published: 10 June 2024

Feature

Are prescribing restrictions for pregabalin working?

Prescribing of pregabalin, which is licensed to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and anxiety, is on the rise despite the introduction of restrictions in 2019. Here, we examine the trends and possible causes.…

Published: 23 May 2024

Feature

Everything you need to know about xylazine

Powerful veterinary tranquiliser xylazine has been implicated in a growing number of drug-related deaths in the United States. Researchers are now warning that it has entered the illicit drug market in the UK, with urgent action needed to protect people who use drugs from its harms.…

Published: 16 May 2024

News

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to be able to supply naloxone without a prescription

The expanded access to take-home naloxone follows two government consultations carried out in 2021 and 2024, respectively.…

Published: 14 May 2024