The intersection of substance use with broader public health concerns.
Public Health
NIDA Director Outlines Potential Risks to People Who Smoke and Use Drugs During COVID-19 Pandemic
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special...
Reducing Alcohol Harm During Self-Isolation Needs a Measured Approach
During this pandemic, people have been forced to adjust their lifestyles in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Lockdowns and restrictions have been imposed in most countries, which has led to pubs, restaurants and bars being shut down...
Alcohol Change UK Grants Programme & Research Strategy
Alcohol Change UK have opened a new grants programme alongside a research strategy [pdf] outlining its funding priorities and plans for 2020 to 2023. The New Horizons grants programme is now open with the first round of grants focused on...
UNODC Coronavirus Resource List
As part of the effort to provide information and support to people who use drugs, families, and professionals working in the substance use and addiction field, UNODC has produced a series of resources to guide evidence-based practice. Here...
Protecting Those That Protect Us
UNODC has developed Guidelines for the safe handling of substances and management of exposure risk for law enforcement and customs officers as part of the ‘safe handling’ series of technical guidelines and training materials. It is an...
The Cost of Opioid Use to Australia
A recent study, published by the National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) at Curtin University in Perth, has estimated that the illegal use of heroin and the misuse of pharmaceutical opioids is costing Australia around $15.7 billion and...
Alcohol Sales Ban in South Africa
Countries around the world have been introducing measures to reduce the harm of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although most countries are calling on individuals to avoid public gatherings and be mindful of social distancing, several countries have...
How is COVID-19 shaping the future of drug services in Europe?
The EMCDDA is offering a new series of webinars around the theme of COVID-19. The purpose of the webinars is to help those working in the drugs field understand how drug users, and those supporting them, are coping with the pandemic and to share knowledge and experience. The webinars will give a voice to key professionals working in the drugs field and will allow for discussion on emerging challenges.
Alcohol and the Immune System: 4 Things You Should Know
Alcohol has a negative impact on our immune systems ability to function, leading to greater susceptibility to certain diseases. It is particularly important that, during this pandemic, we protect our immune system in order to give ourselves...
Consultation on "Addressing Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders in Humanitarian and Relief Settings"
The UNODC Prevention Treatment and Rehabilitation Section (PTRS) in coordination with WHO and UNHCR is planning a consultation process to develop a technical guidance tool to address substance use and substance use disorders, as well as...
