On June 26, 2025, the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR) marked an important milestone with the global launch of the Universal Nurses Addiction Curriculum (UNAC). This initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, was created in response to the urgent global health challenge posed by alcohol and drug use. Designed by nurses, for nurses, UNAC acknowledges the vital role nurses play as the first, and often only, point of contact for...

Pre-service education sets the foundation for preparing health professionals to provide services within health systems. Educating medical and nursing students to provide mental health, neurological and substance use care: A practical guide for pre-service education provides a practical framework for enhancing first-degree medical and nursing education in mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) care. It outlines how to integrate 12 core competencies into curricula, offering guidance for universities, educators, and workforce planners. The guide emphasizes competency-based education that...

The Integrated Recovery-Oriented Nursing (IRON) Care Model: A Theoretical Framework for Optimizing Addiction Treatment Outcomes

The Integrated Recovery-Oriented Nursing (IRON) Care Model is a comprehensive theoretical framework designed to guide nursing practice in addiction treatment. It emphasizes a holistic, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, integrating evidence-based nursing interventions with the core principles of recovery. Grounded in established nursing and psychological theories, the IRON model aims to optimize treatment outcomes by fostering resilience, promoting self...

This practical and up-to-date guide offers comprehensive support for primary care clinicians managing patients with substance use disorders. Covering a wide range of substances and clinical scenarios, the book is organized into four parts: foundational knowledge, specific substance dependencies, clinical management (diagnosis, treatment, recovery), and considerations for special groups such as women, adolescents, and individuals with co-occurring disorders.

An essential resource for physicians, nurse practitioners, medical students, and addiction specialists.

A new study from the University of Dundee and University of Stirling highlights the impact of placing specialist Addiction Nurses (ANs) within primary care teams to support individuals with serious alcohol problems in disadvantaged communities. Focusing on a service in Glasgow (PCANOS), the research shows how ANs deliver person-centred care through home visits, building trust and improving health outcomes.

Patients reported reduced alcohol use, better well-being, and stronger family relationships. The study emphasises the importance of expanding the role of ANs to reach underserved...

Background:
This article shares findings from a study that looked into how alcohol and other drugs (AOD) nurses in the UK view their current career opportunities and the challenges they face. It also explores how changes in health services have affected their roles.

Methods:
Researchers conducted interviews with twelve AOD nurses using a narrative approach to allow for open discussion and new insights. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify common themes.

Key Findings:

• Nurses discussed the pros and cons of non-medical prescribing (NMP) and how it has...

The objective of the study was to compare the use of medical and dental services by seniors residing at a seniors-only living facility and in the general community. It was a quantitative study, among 50 residents of the living facility and 173 in the general community. The data were collected between November 2011 and February 2012 through a questionnaire, and subjected to statistical analysis. Performance of clinical exams and satisfaction with health services was greater among seniors living in the general community; however, physical therapy treatment was more common among those living in...

With the increased role of nurses in caring for patients with substance addiction, there was a clear need to develop the Addiction Nursing Competencies to guide and support the nursing workforce. A literature search revealed a lack of formal instruments to assess and guide nurses in caring for persons with substance use disorders. The Addiction Nursing Competencies were created using existing nursing education frameworks and addiction nurse care manager clinical guidelines.

Abstract: 

While the traditional complications of diabetes mellitus—such as cardiovascular disease—are well recognized, advances in treatment and increased life expectancy have revealed a new set of lesser-known complications that are becoming more prominent.

As mortality from vascular disease declines, conditions like cancer and dementia have emerged as leading causes of death among people with diabetes in several countries. In addition, growing evidence shows strong associations between diabetes and a range of comorbidities, including:

• Cognitive decline

• Functional disability

• ...

Objective:
Understanding that diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) may help increase diabetes screening and improve prevention efforts for CVD.

Overview:
The American Heart Association conducted an online survey across 50 countries to assess public awareness of the link between diabetes and CVD. The study looked at differences in awareness by sex, age, region, and country income level.

Key Findings:

• Out of 48,988 respondents, only 32.1% recognized diabetes as a major risk factor for CVD.

• Awareness was similar between men and women, but higher among older...