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Public health
The intersection of substance use with broader public health concerns.
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...
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...
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...
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Remote Care through Telehealth
Telehealth refers to the provision of personalised health care over a distance. It includes consultation by phone, instant messaging, video, text message, or web-based services.
Telehealth consists of three main elements:
- The patient...
Alcohol Use in Times of the COVID-19 Virus
During this global lockdown, most people have had to make major lifestyle changes in order to adhere to guidelines outlined by their respective governments.
The situation has forced people's behaviour and choices to change, and it is...
Review of Drugs: Phase One Report
In February 2019, the UK government appointed Professor Dame Carol Black to undertake an independent review of drugs.
The aim of the review was to inform the government’s thinking on what more can be done to tackle the harm that drugs...
COVID-19 Surveys on Substance Misuse and Related Issues: Collective Voice
A number of organisations have issued surveys to gather information from across different support services and individuals to assess the impact of COVID-19.
Collective Voice, the national alliance of drug and alcohol treatment charities in...
Adfam's Covid-19 Top Tips
The current global pandemic of the Covid-19 virus is resulting in unprecedented changes to peoples lives. Many of these changes will put an additional strain on the families of those with substance use problems, and already challenging...
Parenting under COVID-19
Families across the globe are adapting to changes due to (COVID-19).
While isolation can represent an opportunity for families to spend time together, many caregivers will be experiencing conflicting feelings and priorities, as well as...
Careers in Social Work: Career Resource
Social Work is rich, stimulating, and one of the few careers which enables you to stand up for social injustice.
The field of social work spans across multiple career options, depending on the type of social work degree you pursue and your...
Addiction Debates: Hot Topics from Policy to Practice
Addiction Debates explores the tumultuous landscape of addiction research, policy and practice. Covering all the 'hot topics' of the day in a balanced and informative manner, Comiskey provides international perspectives on each topic...
Vaping and Opioid Addiction Accelerate Coronavirus Risks
The coronavirus pandemic has presented a new challenge for public health services around the world.
Although scientists are working tirelessly to comprehend more about the virus, there are still many unanswered questions.
In a recent...
Collision of the COVID-19 and Addiction Epidemics
Coronavirus is one of the most significant public health challenges we have faced in the past 100 years. Everyone is effected. However, the strain is particularly great for those working on the front line to detect and treat people who have...
Viruses and Places of Detention
The nature of places of detention is that they are constructed to maximize public safety.
This is highly likely to lead to people living in very close proximity of each other in often overcrowded conditions, which increases the...
COVID-19 Preparedness and Responses in Prisons
Close to 11 million prisoners worldwide — as well as the officers who are charged with ensuring their safe, secure and humane custody — must not be forgotten during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Countries should recognize the particular risks...
Alcohol and COVID-19: What You Need to Know
COVID-19 is a global health crisis that is increasing the workload of healthcare professionals around the world.
In order to support practitioners during these critical circumstances, it is essential that everyone is informed about other...
COVID-19: The Global Pan(dem)ic and Reflections on a Prevention Science Response
The spread of COVID-19 is causing unprecedented damage throughout the world, from which the lasting impact will be evident for many years to come.
It is vital that preventative efforts are put in place in order to minimise the damage and...
NAADAC COVID-19 Resource List
Health care professionals around the world are fighting tirelessly to reduce the harm that is being caused by COVID-19.
Several public health organisations are creating and updating resources so that people can be updated on the changing...
How Can Telehealth Help in the Provision of Integrated Care?
The World Health Organisation defines telehealth as:
The use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver health care outside of traditional health-care facilities.
Well-designed telehealth schemes can improve health care...
