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6 A FIGHTING CHANCE
Jacquie Johnston-Lynch talks about meeting the challenge of supporting veterans in treatment.
8 NEWS FOCUS
DrugScope’s annual conference looks at equality and diversity in the sector at a time of shrinking budgets.
10 WHAT PRICE LIFE?
DDN reports from a multidisciplinary group that met to discuss England’s naloxone distribution policy.
12 CLOSE TO HOME
Emma shares her personal experience of addiction at the 2014 Families First conference.
16 IN MIND AND BODY
Max Daly reports from the HIT Hot Topics conference, which challenged perceptions of drug taking.
20 VITAL CONNECTIONS
The role of communities in making recovery a reality was a key theme at Addaction’s recovery conference.
22 CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM
Delegates heard that there are reasons to be positive at Alcohol Concern’s annual conference.
24 NEVER A DULL MOMENT
DDN looks back on another dramatic year in the drugs field.
REGULARS
4 NEWS ROUND-UP
: ACMD rejects time-limited substitution treatments • Half of those living with hep C
unaware of their condition • ‘Toughness’ of drug laws no deterrent, says Home Office • Label calories on
drinks, says health body • News in brief.
9 EXCHANGE
: Peter Bentley tells DDN about a new educational course aimed at getting people back to work.
18 LETTERS
: Competent compassion; Wake-up call; Paul’s gospel; Copenhagen cannabis.
21 POST-ITS FROM PRACTICE
: Why are we failing so many people with hepatitis C, asks Dr Steve Brinksman.
25 MEDIA SAVVY
Who’s been saying what?
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December 2014 |
drinkanddrugsnews
| 3
F
EDERATION OF
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RUG AND
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LCOHOL
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ROFESSIONALS
Close to home
Can localism work in our favour?
Published by CJ Wellings Ltd,
57 High Street, Ashford,
Kent TN24 8SG
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SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS:
Editorial – Claire Brown
p6
The lack of clear and consistent information on naloxone
has caused confusion and delays (page 10).
The case is now very obvious for increasing access to the life-saving drug, yet there has been no central
direction (blame localism, says PHE) and a postcode lottery of reaction to making naloxone distribution a reality
in every area of the country. Let’s hope that NAG’s initiatives have the desired effect.
As DDN goes to press PHE has released a report indicating that ‘drug recovery rates are showing signs of
slowing’– after years of treatment service figures displaying a positive trend – and urging local authorities to
‘fulfil their responsibilities to understand and address drug use and the harm it causes’ and invest in helping
people to recover from addiction. This is alarming on every level, but sadly not a surprise. On this month’s
letters page (page 18) our readers add voices to those who say it’s time to make a stand and challenge
disinvestment, warning of more pain to come and calling for a compassionate response.
Jacquie Johnston-Lynch’s account of setting up Tom Harrison House for veterans (page 6-7) is an inspiring
example of translating compassion into much needed local action. Times are tough but we have to believe that
where there’s a will there’s a way. Festive greetings to you and a happy and peaceful new year.
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