Here at Zoom Testing, we track the news that matters for workplace drug and alcohol testing teams. This week brings important findings from Project ADDER’s impact on local drug programmes, plus research showing how new weight-loss medicines might affect alcohol testing results. We’re seeing changes in how organisations handle post-January sobriety campaigns, with Guernsey leading the way. Our daily updates help testing specialists and healthcare teams stay current on UK policies and research. From police drug testing data to recovery success stories, we gather the updates you need. Here are this week’s key developments…
Monday, February 10, 2025
More UK seniors are dying from drinking, says a new report. Deaths are rising fastest in people over 55. Young people now drink much less. In the West Midlands, 20,000 people got help for drug and alcohol problems last year. Drugs played a role in half of all serious crimes there. Glasgow’s new drug safety center helps many people, but news crews scare some away.
UCLA found a toxic chemical in street drugs across America. The chemical makes an already risky drug even worse. On a happy note, Kent vets saved a dog who ate a vape pod on his walk. The case shows why we must dispose of vapes safely.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Northern Ireland lawmakers voted to pass a new bill to stop people from smoking. The plan will help the UK reach its goal of being smoke-free by 2030. This week, groups across the UK will talk about how drinking affects children in the home. A team of experts also joined the government’s drug advisory group to help make better policies.
More people quit smoking when vaping is easy to access, says a new study from Australia. Hong Kong wants to stop people from vaping in public places by next year. In the UK, the city of Wolverhampton is giving out free vaping kits to help smokers quit.
A new study comparing Australia and New Zealand shows how vaping rules affect smoking rates. In Asia, Hong Kong announced plans to ban vaping in public by 2026. Closer to home, Wolverhampton joined the national “Swap to Stop” program, offering free vaping kits to help smokers quit.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
The NHS will send free test kits to help 20,000 homes check for HIV. A top expert in Scotland wants new rules to make drug use safer. The NHS has also backed a new pill that helps more people quit smoking at less cost.
A new report shows more young people use cannabis in Canada than in the US. The UK has set new rules for hemp farms. At a town meeting, folks spoke up when the bowling club asked to serve drinks.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
The Home Office released two major evaluations of Project ADDER today, showing how local programmes tackle drug-related crime. New research suggests weight-loss medicines like Wegovy could cut drinking by 40%. The Health Improvement Commission in Guernsey is helping residents keep up their healthy drinking habits after Dry January.
The Forward Trust brought together 400 people to celebrate recovery stories at their National Reunion in Hackney. In sports news, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador announced no alcohol sales during the 2034 World Cup. Meanwhile, Irish police seized €5m worth of cocaine in Kildare.
Friday, February 14, 2025
A new Times survey reveals shifting attitudes among young adults in Britain. Research shows 20% of Gen Z are now teetotal, and 60% have never tried smoking or vaping. These figures point to major changes in youth behaviour. In medical research, a groundbreaking study shows the weight-loss medicine semaglutide may help reduce alcohol consumption in people with drinking problems.
In local news, drug and alcohol charity Via held an open day at their Newbury centre to highlight community support services. The Forward Trust announced football icon Tony Adams MBE as their new Chair of Trustees, bringing his personal recovery experience to the role.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
