DrugWise Daily |
16th July 2026 |
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UK news
Bristol declared ‘city of harm reduction’ as Greens seek less punitive drug policy
Councillors pass motion that paves way to setting up drugs-consumption facility where users can be helped and treated | Guardian, UK
Valuing People, Creating Connections : Launching Our Strategy for 2026–2029
For almost 60 years, Phoenix has stood alongside people experiencing drug and alcohol dependency, poor mental health, trauma, homelessness, poverty, social exclusion, and contact with the criminal justice system. Throughout that time, one thing has remained constant: our belief in people’s potential to change | Phoenix Futures, UK
What Is Open Houses?
Open Houses is a national campaign in England to improve access to residential treatment services. We are extending an invitation to visit rehab centres and see recovery in action. It’s an opportunity for commissioners, clinicians, policymakers, partner organisations and anyone else with an interest to meet those who live and work in rehab, and understand the role it plays in supporting recovery, families and communities. Plan your visit here | Open Houses, UK
I beat ketamine addiction – others deserve rehab too
A recovering ketamine addict is campaigning for better access to residential rehabilitation for others who "don't have that chance" he had. Saul Wardale said his life "just propelled itself and every day is better and better" after quitting the drug at the Kenward Trust rehab in Yalding, Kent | BBC, UK
Wickes manager launches discrimination case after being fired for snorting cocaine at work
Jasmin Unsted claimed she was being discriminated against because of her ADHD | Independent, UK
Hertfordshire Constabulary revived several overdosed drug users in recent years
Hertfordshire Police officers have used medication to revive 23 overdosed drug users as part of an initiative to reduce the number of drug-related deaths | Hemel Today, UK
Six men to stand trial over £7m cannabis farm in former school
Six Vietnamese men are to stand trial after cannabis plants worth an estimated £7.1m were discovered inside the former Wick High School in Caithness | BBC, UK
International news
Government Warns About Drinking Alcohol Abroad - audio
The government warns people travelling abroad about the potential dangers of methanol poisoning | BBC, UK
Scoping evidence review on the prevention and treatment of opioid overdose
[Open access] Identifies the focus and the deficiencies in the attempt to evaluate how to save lives. Between 2014 and 2024 naloxone provision was the most extensively studied strategy, while what happens after an overdose has been survived was relatively neglected | Harm Reduction Journal, UK
Tourists warned of methanol poisoning risks in new campaign
When Calum MacDonald visited a bar in Laos he experienced "a blinding kaleidoscopic light" permanently impairing his vision, less than two days after having a drink | BBC, UK
Kenyan court dismisses Rastafarians' bid to legalise cannabis
Kenya's High Court has dismissed a bid by a Rastafarian group seeking to legalise the use of cannabis for religious purposes | BBC, UK
Man accused of using ‘sophisticated’ cross-border tunnel to funnel drugs into US finally faces a judge
The drug tunnel had reinforced walls, a rail system, electricity and ventilation | Independent, UK
EUDA webinar: Understanding dual disorders
9 Sep 2026. Online. This webinar will provide an overview of dual disorders (DD), introduce the recently launched EUDA health and social responses miniguide, and offer practical insights from EU-based initiatives. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the challenges associated with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, as well as examples of how these are being addressed in different contexts. The webinar will showcase two concrete initiatives focusing on improving access to care and implementing national responses | EUDA, Portugal
Nicotine use linked to mental health problems in adolescents, especially girls
Adolescents who use nicotine are more likely to report symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health problems than their peers who do not use nicotine. Girls appear to be particularly vulnerable, according to three recent studies from the University of Gothenburg | Medical Xpress, USA
Study finds smokers are unlikely to smoke more when switching to low-nicotine cigarettes
People who switch to cigarettes with dramatically reduced nicotine levels are unlikely to smoke more cigarettes or inhale more smoke to compensate for the lower nicotine content, according to a new study led by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and published in JAMA Network Open | Medical Xpress, USA
New study examines how and why harm reduction is misunderstood on college campuses
A new study found that students and staff involved with collegiate recovery programs had very different definitions and perceptions of harm reduction and its role in these programs, suggesting opportunities to reframe this public health approach in collegiate settings to build common ground and meet students' varying substance use needs and recovery goals | Medical Xpress, USA
The highs and lows: Cannabis use and positive valence bipolar mood and emotion processes in emerging adults
[Open access] The present study investigates associations between self-reported cannabis use and bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD) risk and mood severity, as well as three well-studied positive valence processes (i.e., positive emotion experience, reward responsiveness, and positive emotion valuation) | Journal Affective Disorders, USA
Public health groups sue FDA over policy allowing marketing of unauthorized e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches
A coalition of public health organizations, pediatricians and parents has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Food and Drug Administration's new enforcement policy that allows e-cigarette and nicotine pouch products to be marketed and sold without the scientific review and marketing authorization required by federal law | Medical Xpress, USA
DEA Moves to Ban Tianeptine
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently proposed banning tianeptine, an opioid-like substance often sold online and in convenience stores | The Drug Report, USA
FDA Schedules Psychedelics Hearing, Amid New Push for Medical Approval
actions supporting President Donald Trump’s executive order fast-tracking access to psychedelic therapies for mental health conditions and substance use disorder (SUD). On July 14 the agency announced a public hearing to get feedback about potential psychedelic therapies, and simultaneously published final clinical guidance for developers preparing to submit investigational new drug applications (INDA) | Filter Magazine, USA
Blogs, comment and opinion
"It shouldn’t take a crisis to face up to your drinking. It did for me" - MP Neil Coyle
As part of Alcohol Awareness Week, MP Neil Coyle shared an honest account of his relationship with alcohol. In this guest blog, he reflects on his experiences and the lessons he's learned | Drinkaware blog, UK