Season ’ s Greetings !
UPFRONT
Drink and Drugs News is published by CJ Wellings Ltd , Romney House , School Road , Ashford , Kent TN27 0LT
Editor : Claire Brown e : claire @ cjwellings . com
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Cover : Liudmila Chernetska
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IN THIS ISSUE
6
ON THE COVER : COCAINE DECISIONS
INSIDE
4 NEWS Alcohol strategy urgently needed ; compulsory levy on gambling
12 OUTREACH Bridging the gap 18 HARM REDUCTION HIT round-up 20 LIVING IT Transforming services 22 WOMEN ’ S VOICES Direct action 24 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 25 YOUR SHOUT Letters & comment
14 16 10
Hackney harm reduction BME engagement
Digital gambling
Ziggy B Designs
‘ STRONGER TOGETHER ’
Season ’ s Greetings !
Thank you to you all for your support throughout the year !
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At what point is intervention possible ?
We ’ re so quick to compartmentalise – as if that makes treatment easier . Early trauma , chaotic drug use … rehab . Social scene , few too many drinks , hiding a hangover … be careful not to overdo the legally sanctioned fun .
Slightly confusing then , to look at a substance through both lenses . We ’ re familiar with the devastating effect cocaine can have on lives . What ’ s interesting is the cultural normalisation that ’ s contributing to the statistics ( p6 ). If drug use starts in a safe setting and escalates , at what point is intervention relevant – or possible ? Using it as a way to avoid drinking too much ( aside from using it to keep going for longer ) is a twist on harm reduction that we may not have contemplated , but it ’ s risky . The two substances combine to form toxic cocaethylene , increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke – but who ’ s familiar with that ? It ’ s complicated , but we need to look at the stats and focus on an effective response – cocaine-related deaths increased by a third last year .
As we look back on the year we ’ re grateful for inspirational partnerships and individuals who tackle obstacles at full tilt and don ’ t take ‘ go slow ’ for an answer . Keep going – we ’ re right there with you ! Enjoy the festive season ! Claire Brown , editor www . drinkanddrugsnews . com and @ DDNmagazine
WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM DEC 24 – JAN 25 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • 3