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 Advertising manager: Ian Ralph e: ian @ cjwellings. com Reporter: David Gilliver e: david @ cjwellings. com Designer: Jez Tucker e: jez @ cjwellings. com website: www. drinkanddrugsnews. com Website support by wiredupwales. com Subscriptions: e: subs @ cjwellings. com Printed on environmentally friendly paper by the Manson Group Ltd Cover: JellyPics CJ Wellings Ltd does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers. The contents of this magazine are the copyright of CJ Wellings Ltd, but do not necessarily represent its views, or those of its partner organisations.
IN THIS ISSUE
COVER STORY: THE BIG PICTURE
6
INSIDE
4 NEWS‘ No plans’ on DCR legislation; half of adults affected by addiction
10 PRISONS Treatment rethink overdue 11 FATHERS Reducing recidivism 12 LOOKING BACK Review of the year 13 LETTERS From you to us 16 THERAPY Introduction to ear seeding 20 FAMILY Looking at the whole picture
23 LIVED EXPERIENCE Peer academy
14 18 22
Safer together Digital services
Employment support
Ziggy B Designs
SEASON’ S GREETINGS!
Thank you for your support this year to keep DDN free of charge and the must-read publication for the sector. We wish you all a happy and healthy new year. www. drinkanddrugsnews. com
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In search of a strong and united voice
It’ s been a reactive year for the sector. Drugs – familiar, new, hard to identify – have brought treatment challenges that demand our attention. Escalating drug death figures continue to shame us. Alcohol policy still treads water. The prison system is stuck in a cycle of addiction, violence and reoffending.
When an MP says the drug sector needs to speak with a clear and unified voice to policymakers( p6), it feels frustrating. But exploring some key initiatives – throughout this issue – reminds us that we have much of the evidence of what works. We know, for instance, that helping someone rebuild relationships, reconnect with family, and rediscover their career aspirations can have significant benefits beyond their own wellbeing and break a cycle of trauma, as well as leading to life beyond lockup.
We also have a strong and united voice on harm reduction( p14), the call for targeted and effective education, upskilling the workforce( p22), and reminders of the urgent need for sustained investment to stop us rolling backwards. Read our tech article( p18), be inspired – and keep moving forward in the knowledge that your work is invaluable. Season’ s greetings to you all.
Claire Brown, editor www. drinkanddrugsnews. com and @ DDNmagazine
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