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Keep in touch with us via Facebook and Twitter! /DDNMagazine @DDNMagazine Contents editor’s letter ON THE COVER ‘We’ve needed to hear these problems are not an add-on’ P Adjusting to civvy street, p6 4 NEWS Glasgow consumption room moves a step closer; RSPH backs festival drug tests. 6 BATTLE LINES The transition to civilian life can be a struggle leading to addiction. DDN hears how Combat Stress help veterans back on their feet. 8 TIME FOR ACTION Social action is the way forward in tackling complex needs, Lord Victor Adebowale tells DDN. A reader gives his personal experiences. 10 LOOKING AHEAD Prevention work with young people is a vital investment, says Michael O’Toole . 10 MEDIA SAVVY The news, and the skews, in the national media. 11 CLINICAL EYE We neglect our student nurses at our peril, says Ishbel Straker. 11 LEGAL LINE Do CQC always get it right? Nicole Ridgwell advises on how to challenge. 12 BEGINNING OF THE END Kevin Jaffray suggests how to start the difficult conversation on palliative care. 13 BECOMING FREE OF HEPATITIS C To mark World Hepatitis Day, the I’m Worth… campaign is launching a survey – and needs your views. 14 HEIGHT OF ECSTASY Summer festivals bring many opportunities for young people to experiment with MDMA. Kevin Flemen gives the guide to staying safe. 16 A SPACE TO LISTEN Dual Diagnosis Anonymous is a new peer-led resource, says Dr Raffaella Milani. 18 STEPPING UP Kate Halliday explains what new apprenticeship rules mean for the sector. 19 LETTERS AND COMMENT In praise of dynamic outreach, and responses to last month’s articles. Reporter: David Gilliver e: [email protected] Published by CJ Wellings Ltd, Romney House, School Road, Ashford, Kent TN27 0LT Editor: Claire Brown t: 01233 638 528 e: [email protected] www.drinkanddrugsnews.com Advertising manager: Ian Ralph t: 01233 636 188 e: [email protected] Designer: Jez Tucker e: [email protected] roblematic substance use rarely travels alone. The body of evidence keeps growing on the many strands that converge to make us lose direction, and we’re familiar with how drug and alcohol use can crash through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. We also talk a lot about revolving doors – to prison, debt, homelessness and a state of disconnection. So it’s heartening to hear that senior representatives from many health and social care sectors will be coming together to discuss joint action on complex needs (page 8). This follows a call for evidence from the Office for Civil Society – and a detailed questionnaire that keeps substance misuse problems at the heart of a shared agenda. How long have we needed to hear that drug and alcohol problems are not the ‘add-on’ but symbiotic with mental health problems and all number of signs of personal breakdown? As a clear case study we focus on veterans this month, through talking to the charity Combat Stress (page 6). It’s hard to imagine the level of PTSD that drives many of those leaving the armed forces to self-medicate, but encouraging to hear that with the right dedicated support they can do ‘very, very well’. And as the summer rolls on, so does the schedule of festival s that bring many young people face to face with the irresistible opportunity to experiment. Kevin Flemen’s article (page 14) should help to provide accurate advice, grounded in harm reduction. We’re doing a combined July/August issue for the holiday period, but will be online, on Facebook and tweeting through the summer. We’re looking forward to hearing from you! Claire Brown, editor Keep in touch at www.drinkanddrugsnews.com and @DDNmagazine Website: www.drinkanddrugsnews.com Website support by wiredupwales.com CJ Wellings Ltd does not accept respon si bility for the accuracy of state ments made by contributors or advertisers. The contents of this magazine are the copyright of CJ Wellings Ltd, but do not necess - arily represent its views, or those of its partner organisations. Printed on environmentally friendly paper by the Manson Group Ltd Cover by Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/ iStock Subscriptions: t: 01233 633 315 e: [email protected] DDN is an independent publication, entirely funded by advertising. Supporting organisations: July/August 2017 | drinkanddrugsnews | 3