UPFRONT
Drink and Drugs News is published by CJ Wellings Ltd , Romney House , School Road , Ashford , Kent TN27 0LT
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IN THIS ISSUE
PEERS STAND TOGETHER
6
INSIDE
4 NEWS ‘ Cuckooing ’ to become criminal offence ; prison system faces collapse
8 HOUSING Catalyst for change 12 SOBER CURIOUS Brave decision ? 16 INEQUALITY Finding female focus 18 BRIGHT SPARKS Women ’ s outreach 20 OVER TO YOU Letters & comment 21 TRAUMA It ’ s down to ACES
10 14 22
Military sexual trauma
Getting naloxone out on the street What is lived experience ?
STRONGER TOGETHER !
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We ’ re in it together to improve mental health
The idea that we may have become desensitised to mental health suffering – even if it ’ s because we ’ re overstretched and under intense pressure – is unpalatable ( cover story , page 6 ). So what do we do with this knowledge that patients / clients are being stripped of dignity and hope of recovery , bounced from one crisis to the next – and being made homeless , criminalised , isolated , dehumanised ? The lived experience tells a terrible story , but the lesson it offers is invaluable . Through conversation , connection , empathy and humour we rediscover our voices . What better illustration of peer power ? And a key point is that it ’ s not either / or – either peer networks or trained professionals within organisations – it ’ s a combination of both that galvanises positive change .
With the help of our experts throughout this issue we look at trauma from different perspectives and hope it helps to piece together the complex puzzle of mental health treatment relating to substance use . Much of this lurks under the radar – those suffering from military sexual trauma , people with multiple disadvantage needing targeted support , women whose very specific needs are still treated as ‘ gender neutral ’. With your help we will open these topics for robust debate . Claire Brown , editor www . drinkanddrugsnews . com and @ DDNmagazine
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