Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) encompass multi-sector approach on strategies and programs designed to divert individuals with substance use disorders away from conventional imprisonment. These alternatives address treatment, support, and supervision, tackling the underlying causes of criminal conduct that is while curbing recidivism rates and fostering effective rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
According to the OAS, the drug treatment court (DTC) model stands out as one of the most renowned and extensively researched Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI). It functions both before...
Gleason-Comstock, J., Calhoun, C.B., Locke, B.J. et al. People who use drugs engagement in substance use disorder services and harm reduction: evaluation, challenges and future direction of a community-based intervention. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 19, 24 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00601-1
Background:
Since 1996, an urban community-based organization has been providing screening, testing, overdose prevention, referrals, and access to treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and communicable diseases such as HIV through its Life Points harm reduction program.
Methods:
In 2021, the organization recruited a convenience sample of people who use drugs for a survey focused on substance use, healthcare, and barriers to SUD services. Community health workers conducted outreach and collected data using an encrypted identifier. Paper surveys were entered into Qualtrics for analysis...
Furulund, E., Carlsen, SE.L., Druckrey-Fiskaaen, K.T. et al. A qualitative study of experiences with physical activity among people receiving opioid agonist therapy. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 19, 26 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00607-9
Background:
Many people with substance use disorders undergoing opioid agonist therapy often have physical or mental health commorbidities. Exercise is recognised as beneficial for both prevention and treatment of various health conditions, yet exercise interventions for this population are limited. This study aims to explore the experiences, perceived barriers, and facilitators of physical activity among individuals receiving opioid agonist therapy.
Method:
Qualitative interviews were conducted with fourteen individuals receiving opioid agonist therapy in outpatient clinics in Western...
Gleason-Comstock, J., Calhoun, C.B., Locke, B.J. et al. People who use drugs engagement in substance use disorder services and harm reduction: evaluation, challenges and future direction of a community-based intervention. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 19, 24 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00601-1
Background
Since 1996, an urban community-based organisation whose primary mission is to serve diverse94 and emerging community health needs has provided screening, testing, overdose prevention and training, referrals, and access to treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and communicable diseases such as HIV through its Life Points harm reduction program.
Methods
As a partner in a State survey in 2021, the community organisation recruited a convenience sample of people who use drugs to participate in a survey focused on their substance use, healthcare, and barriers to SUD services...
Ferrer, X., Sierra, E., Aspa, J., Solanas, A., Amatller, O., Ovejero, M., Sandoval, P., & Calvo, F. (2023). Spanish university postgraduate training on addictions: The historic development and its current situation. Adiktologie, 23(4), 293–301. https://doi.org/10.35198/01-2023-004-0006
BACKGROUND: Drug dependence is a public health problem that requires trained professionals to effectively address this issue. The aim of this study was to analyse postgraduate university training programs specialising in addictions in Spain.
METHODS: An exhaustive review of the scientific literature was conducted, and information was collected on university training programs specialising in addictions in Spain. A descriptive documentary analysis of the curricula of Master’s and other postgraduate degrees at Spanish universities was performed. Postgraduate and continuing education programs...
We are pleased to inform you that applications are open for the European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) Basic Module at our international event in Thessaloniki.
Specific patterns of substance use have been found to correlate with an elevated risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and mortality by suicide. However, this relationship is multifaceted and influenced by various intersecting factors, including the type and quantity of substances consumed, as well as biological and social determinants. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, in collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, presents a comprehensive examination of these factors in their latest report titled "Intersections of Substance Use and Suicide: Evidence and Key...
McCall, J., Hobbs, H., Ranger, C. et al. Prescribed safer supply during dual public health emergencies: a qualitative study examining service providers perspectives on early implementation. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 19, 19 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00598-7
Background: Over the past decade, drug-related overdoses have seen a significant rise both in North America and globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasised the urgent need for safer supply programs to replace unregulated substances, reducing toxicity and overdose risks. Service providers play a crucial role in delivering safer supply initiatives, yet there's limited empirical evidence from their perspective on what constitutes effective safer supply programs. This study delves into the initial implementation and impacts of a safer supply program, capturing insights from an...
In view of the fast-moving developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), this webinar seeks to discuss opportunities and challenges of using AI for evidence-based research.
AI refers to the ability of a machine to display...
This miniguide is one of a larger set, which together comprise Health and social responses to drug problems: a European guide. It provides an overview of what to consider when planning or delivering health and social responses to stimulant-related problems, and reviews the available interventions and their effectiveness. It also considers implications for policy and practice.
The Cannabis, Mental Health, and Substance Use Health: Research Knowledge Exchange Event Summary Report presents the findings and themes discussed at an event jointly hosted by CCSA (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada. With funding from Health Canada, the two organizations supported approximately 70 research teams in exploring the potential benefits, harms, and risks of cannabis on substance use health and mental health. The event provided a platform for these research teams to share their project results, observations, and experiences...
Cunningham, J.A., Schell, C., Walker, H. et al. Patterns of remission from alcohol dependence in the United Kingdom: results from an online panel general population survey. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 19, 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-023-00588-1
Background
Previous research has demonstrated that remissions from alcohol use disorders can occur without accessing treatment. The current study explored the prevalence of such untreated remissions in the UK and further, examined the extent to which people who resolved an alcohol use disorder regarded themselves as ever, or currently, being in recovery.
Methods
Participants were recruited using the Prolific online platform. Participants who met criteria for lifetime alcohol dependence (ICD-10) were asked about their drinking at its heaviest, use of treatment services, whether they...
Lukavská, K., Urešová, A., & Gabrhelík, R. (2023). Contribution of gaming to overall leisure screen time in primary school children. Adiktologie, 23(3), 195–206. https://doi.org/10.35198/01-2023-003-0005
INTRODUCTION:
This study aimed to (i) analyse the prevalence of gaming in young elementary school-aged children; (ii) assess the effect of gaming frequency on excessive screen use; and (iii) identify sociodemographic variables associated with frequent gaming.
METHODS:
A survey was conducted in April–June 2021 with parents of children attending grades 1–3 in randomly selected elementary schools in Czechia, Slovakia, and Finland. Parents (n = 1871) reported the daily screen time and the weekly gaming frequency of their children during a typical week and provided sociodemographic information.
Read key findings from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). This report highlights 2022 statistics on substance use, mental health, and treatment in the United States. These national indicators are measured among people aged 12 or older in the civilian, non institutionalised population. Estimates are presented by age group and by race/ethnicity for selected measures.
Along with the full report, which includes both figures and text descriptions, a set of slides is available which includes just the figures from the report.
The DIMS annual report 2022 covers the concentrations, adulterations, and other relevant information produced by DIMS in the past year, and in doing so forms a topical image of the Dutch drug market. Spread out over all Dutch provinces, the DIMS network encompasses 32 testing-facilities providing nation-wide coverage. Together with these partners, DIMS aims to create a clear insight into the Dutch drug market, and signal potential health risks to the public.
The Addiction Language Guide serves as a comprehensive resource designed to address and combat stigmatizing language associated with addiction. Stigmatizing language often involves attaching negative labels and stereotypes to specific groups of people, contributing to adverse consequences such as social isolation, diminished self-esteem, and reluctance to seek medical assistance. This guide aims to empower individuals and organizations to eliminate and replace stigmatizing language, thereby fostering positive change and enhancing the lives of those affected by substance use disorders both...
Harm reduction (HR) has been a pillar of drug policy in the Netherlands for many decades. In fact, the Netherlands was a pioneer in the field of HR. Like many other Western countries, the Netherlands was hit by a wave of heroin use in the 1970s. The Dutch adopted HR programs early on at the height of their heroin crisis in the 1980s, and implemented the first needle and syringe exchange program worldwide. HR seeks to reduce the health and social harms of drug use to individuals and the wider community, without requiring people to stop using drugs (EMCDDA, 2010). It is a client-centered and low...
The International Conference on Sustainable Development is organized by the European Center of Sustainable Development in collaboration with CIT University. The 13th ICSD 2025 is inspired from the critical challenge of human, environmental...
