In this reading list, we provide resources to help engage our members with the latest knowledge, tools, and case studies on quality standards in substance use disorder treatment. These materials highlight international frameworks, research-backed practices, and country-level initiatives designed to improve access, strengthen systems, and ensure safe, ethical, and effective care. 

Together, they offer a practical foundation for policy-makers, service providers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to reflect on what “quality” means in treatment and how to achieve it across diverse...

The 2025 Annual Report to the Parliament on Drug Addictions in Italy offers a comprehensive overview of the current drug addiction landscape. Despite a slight decline in youth drug use for the first time since 2018, the report highlights ongoing challenges, particularly with substances like cocaine, synthetic opioids, and high-potency cannabis derivatives. Law enforcement and judicial efforts remain strong, and Italy continues to be a key collaborator in global anti-drug initiatives, particularly with countries in South America and the Indo-Pacific region.

The report also emphasizes the...

The WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders provides a comprehensive snapshot of global trends in alcohol consumption, related harms, and national policy responses, alongside the availability and quality of treatment services for alcohol and drug use disorders.

Key Highlights:

• Presents the latest data from WHO Member States, aligned with SDG Health Target 3.5: “Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.”

• Offers updated insights on global alcohol consumption patterns...

Across Europe, one in four children faces poverty or social exclusion, with vulnerable groups—such as migrants, refugees, and children from disadvantaged families—bearing the greatest burden. These disparities were worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for more equitable access to health and social services.

Early childhood is a critical window for health and development, yet investment in prevention remains low. Barriers such as financial constraints, administrative complexity, and lack of coordination across sectors hinder access to essential services—especially...

This publication presents key findings from the 8th round of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), conducted in 2024 among 113,882 students aged 15–16 across 37 European countries.

Marking 30 years of monitoring adolescent risk behaviours, the 2024 edition introduces a new focus on mental well-being and prevention activities, highlighting their growing role in shaping youth health outcomes.

The key findings report is available in 33 languages and optimised for online access. A full report, ESPAD Report 2024, will be released in October 2025.

Background
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Although Medicaid covers tobacco cessation treatments, smoking rates remain much higher among Medicaid beneficiaries (30%) compared to those with private insurance (18%). This study examined how often South Carolina Medicaid fee-for-service beneficiaries received tobacco counseling from 2019 to 2022.

Methods
The study analyzed data from 49,401 individuals diagnosed with tobacco use disorder. It assessed differences in counseling rates by age, race, sex, region, and provider type using Chi-squared tests.

Re...

Background
Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for bladder cancer. Harmful substances in tobacco smoke can damage cells and lead to cancer. Understanding this link is important for better prevention and treatment.

Objective
This study reviews global research on the connection between smoking and bladder cancer using bibliometric analysis, aiming to identify key trends, topics, and future directions.

Methods
We analyzed studies published between 1999 and 2023 from the Web of Science database. Tools like VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used to map contributions from countries, institutions...

Purpose:
In 2015, all UN member states adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote global economic, social, and environmental progress. This scoping review explores how the nursing profession is connected to the SDGs and highlights the critical role nurses can play in advancing these global goals.

Methods:
Using Arksey and O'Malley’s five-stage framework, researchers reviewed literature from 2015–2020 using key terms related to nursing and the SDGs. Out of 447 articles identified, 35 were selected for final analysis.

Findings:
Two key perspectives emerged from the review:

In Recognition of Nurses’ Week (May 6–12, 2025)

This global health, nursing-led initiative highlights the vital role of nurses in addressing substance use disorders (SUD) through evidence-based practice. The effort promotes improved health outcomes and wellness for adults living with SUD across all nations, with a focus on drug demand reduction (DDR) and the prevention of related chronic diseases.

Objectives of the Presentation:

1. Recognise the global risks linked to the rising prevalence of substance use disorders.

2. Reflect on the critical role nurses play as stakeholders in drug...

Screen4Success – A Tool for Health, Wellness, and Well-being Assessment

SAMHSA’s new “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign mobile app helps parents and caregivers prepare for some of the most important conversations they may ever have with their kids. Screen4Success is a new screening tool developed to support individuals, families, and caregivers by providing a structured way to assess aspects of personal health, wellness, and well-being.

Key Points:

• Screen4Success offers a user-friendly format to help individuals recognise potential areas where additional support might be needed.

• It...

Background
Smoking is one of the top causes of preventable death and is linked to many serious health problems, including cancer and chronic diseases. Nurses can play a big role in helping people quit smoking by offering support through counselling, education, and mental health care. These nurse-led programs have been shown to increase quit rates. Training nurses to deliver these programs is important, and reviewing past studies helps us understand what works best.

Methods
Researchers searched eight major health databases between March 27 and August 1, 2024, to find studies on nurse-led...