UPFRONT
Drink and Drugs News is published by CJ Wellings Ltd , Romney House , School Road , Ashford , Kent TN27 0LT t : 0845 299 3429
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IN THIS ISSUE
ON THE COVER – criminal justice
18
Engaging
neurodivergent prisoners
6
PTSD support for veterans
14
INSIDE
4 NEWS Drug-related violence taking toll on Europe ; government bans 14 nitazenes
12 SECTOR CHANGE Release ’ s action plan
16 FEMALE FOCUS Diverting women from the criminal justice system
20 RECOVERY CITIES News from an inspiring network
22 LUNG HEALTH Stepping up the action on tobacco harm reduction
24 YOUR SHOUT Letters and comment
Nitazenes and synthetic opioids
10
‘ STRONGER TOGETHER ’
The DDN National Conference Thursday 11 July , Birmingham We hope you ’ ll be joining us !
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‘ The more we understand , the more we can support ’
The challenges faced by the criminal justice system are significant , headlined by a burgeoning prison population with seemingly no place to go . But alongside the desperation that can set in when looking at the statistics , an evidencebased body of work is flourishing . In this issue we look at the alternatives to custodial sentences , the opportunities for successful diversion schemes , and the positive impact of moving away from short sentences .
Our contributors this month provide vital knowledge – on the trauma suffered by many veterans who find themselves self-medicating with alcohol and drugs ; on neurodivergent conditions ; on safe spaces for women ; and on ways to connect with peer support and recovery communities . The more we understand about why people are ‘ cycling in and out of our prisons ’ ( Prof Dame Carol Black ) the better position we are in to provide appropriate interventions and support .
News of more sudden deaths , including clusters in prison , further underlines the emergency we are facing with nitazenes . This is not a remote problem . See the action plan on p10 – we need to understand the risks , act quickly , and coordinate locally to make sure everyone is prepared . Claire Brown , editor www . drinkanddrugsnews . com and @ DDNmagazine
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