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News items on 'Substance Abuse'
Older addicts 'lose will to live'
(BBC 18/11/2009)
Research to be published in Glasgow suggests rates of suicide among addicts aged over 35 may be higher than previously thought. The Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) said older drug users need more support. Of 55,000 chaotic drug users in Scotland, 15,000 or more than 25%, are believed to be 35 or over but they have said services often ignore their needs. SDF chief executive David Liddell said they have been taking drugs for so long, they have simply given up.
Scientists urge respect on advice
(BBC 06/11/2009)
A group of senior academics has called for reassurances from the UK government that it will respect the independence and freedom of its scientific advisers. The release of their statement follows the sacking of the former drugs adviser Professor David Nutt. In it, they endorse a set of principles for the treatment of scientific advice. These include protecting advisers from political interference and not using disagreement with government policy as grounds for criticism or dismissal.
Nutt vows to set up new drug body
(BBC 04/11/2009)
The drugs adviser controversially sacked by the government says he will establish a new scientific committee if the current advisory body disbands. Professor David Nutt was removed from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs last week after saying cannabis was less harmful than tobacco or drink. Two other members have resigned, and the rest are to meet the home secretary next week to discuss its future role. If talks fail, Professor Nutt says he has backing for an independent body.
Second drugs adviser quits post
(BBC 01/11/2009)
A second adviser to the government has resigned in protest at Home Secretary Alan Johnson's sacking of his chief drugs adviser, Prof David Nutt. Marion Walker's departure from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) followed the earlier resignation of Dr Les King. Dr King said he would like to see the ACMD become an independent body, free from the government's influence.
Government drugs adviser resigns
(BBC 01/11/2009)
An adviser to the government has resigned in protest at the home secretary's sacking of his chief drugs adviser, Prof David Nutt. Dr Les King quit the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), saying Home Secretary Alan Johnson had denied Prof Nutt's "freedom of expression". Prof Nutt was sacked after saying cannabis is less harmful than alcohol or nicotine. He said the drug had been upgraded to Class B against scientific evidence.
Scotland's £400,000-an-hour drug habit
(The Scotsman 07/10/2009)
SCOTLAND'S drug users spend £1.4 billion a year feeding their habit, resulting in social costs totalling almost £3.5bn annually - equivalent to £400,000 per hour. The toll includes the price of treating drug users in the NHS, the cost to the criminal justice system and social care, as well as wider costs to the economy and society. The research, commissioned by the Scottish Government, also shows that the number of drug users across the country is continuing to increase.
Drug therapy record 'encouraging'
(BBC 02/10/2009)
One in three people addicted to heroin or crack cocaine in community drug treatment programmes in England stops using by six months, research suggests. Results from 14,600 people in methadone or specialist counselling programmes suggested the rates were slightly lower for those dependent on both drugs. There are about 140,000 people in such treatment programmes in England. The study, in the Lancet, showed higher funding for treatment was effective, the Department of Health said.
(BBC 01/10/2009)
Students could one day face dope tests to prove they have not boosted their academic performance with so called "smart drugs", a psychologist suggests. More students are turning to drugs in an attempt to boost their grades, writes Vince Cakic of Sydney University in the Journal of Medical Ethics. Among drugs apparently being used are those designed to treat hyperactivity and dementia. Some academics think their use can be a positive thing, if regulated.
(BBC 25/09/2009)
The picture on the left shows her at age 18, the other is Mikaila today at 22 after being addicted to the substance. This week the government's launched a poster campaign aimed at clubbers to highlight the dangers of the "rave drug". They say they have plans to ban GBL, or liquid ecstasy as it's also known, by the end of the year making it a Class C drug like ketamine. Critics say it's all taken too long. Mikaila's tried to kick her addiction a few times and is now in a detox clinic.
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