ON THE COVER
DDN is an independent publication, entirely funded by advertising.
Publishers:
Partners:
Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals
Supporting organisations:
4
NEWS
‘We want to see a system where people facing multiple and complex
needs are supported,’ say the Revolving Doors Agency.
DDN’s round-up of local and national news.
6
COVER STORY
‘Take drug and alcohol treatment seriously.’
What the sector needs to see from the incoming government.
11
PRACTICE EXCHANGE
Engaging dependent drinkers and meeting the treatment challenges
of novel psychoactive substances.
12
EMPLOYMENT
‘Occupation for those not “work ready” may perhaps be volunteering or
structured activity.’ Bolstering recovery with occupational therapy.
14
OPINION
‘If only I’d known – I could have saved his life…’ Dr Chris Ford looks at
Ireland’s lack of naloxone provision.
16
CONFERENCE REPORT
‘In policy terms, it’s a relatively new drug on the block.’The European
Alcohol Conference looked at new policy and ways to engage drinkers.
May 2015 |
drinkanddrugsnews
| 3
editor’s letter
‘Let’s leave no room for
ambiguity in providing
a coherent voice.’
Contents
W
e’re into the final frantic run-up to the election as we go
to press, and the electioneering machinery is in
overdrive. There’s no escaping the commentary morning
and evening from every direction, and the leaflets from local
politicians are outnumbering the usual catalogues and pizza
menus. Among the candidates’ persuasive statements are
invitations to let them know what we all want, and they promise
they will listen. ‘Your views matter,’ they say – so here goes.
In this issue’s ‘election special’ (page 6-9) we’ve canvassed
diverse opinion from the field. Circumstances differ, but many of
the concerns are the same and the message is clear: the incoming
government needs to listen, take drug and alcohol treatment
seriously, and cut through the stigma to invest in evidence-based
interventions. There’s no shortage of experts, by experience and by
profession, to help steer through the changing landscape of health
and welfare, and no need for policy to be ill-informed guesswork.
Our feature in this issue is just the start. You’ll find fuller
versions online at
and we hope
you’ll get in touch to let us know your views about what the new
government’s priorities should be. As one of our contributors says,
let’s leave no room for ambiguity in providing a coherent voice to
the ‘outside’.
Claire Brown, editor
Published by CJ Wellings Ltd,
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t: 01233 638 528
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Cover montage by JellyPics
Make or break – election special, p6
