At Zoom Testing, we track key news in UK drug and alcohol testing. This week shows good news from Scotland with drug deaths down by 11% and a new rehab center with 27 beds now open. We also note Wales has hit a record high for drink deaths. Tests found that many “nicotine-free” vapes do have nicotine in them.
Our daily updates cover the NHS No Smoking Day tools and risks from strong drugs on UK streets. We look at how ketamine harms young users’ health and share ways to help kids learn about drug risks. From Oxford findings on drinks after breakups to new plans in Leeds, we bring you the news that matters most.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Oxford studies show people drink and smoke more after breaking up with partners. Dorset Police found 15 kids among 86 people in ketamine cases since 2020. Good news from Bristol as BDP starts a fresh five-year plan for local drug and alcohol help on April 1st.
Research hints that party drug MDMA might have helped protect Nova festival goers from trauma during the attack. A UK DJ shares how running helped him beat his drinking problem. The GMB union now fights to allow drinks at Scottish football, saying the ban looks down on working-class fans.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Health officials warn about deadly super-strength drugs in the UK. Young people using ketamine now face serious bladder damage. The NHS has new tools for No Smoking Day to help people quit tomorrow.
Tests show that many “nicotine-free” vapes contain nicotine. All tested items broke legal limits. In good news, a Somerset school now teaches pupils to avoid vapes. A new report says helping sick people stay in jobs could save the UK £1 billion.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Drug deaths in Scotland went down by 11% last year. This saved 132 lives. Today is No Smoking Day. The NHS has free tools to help people stop smoking. A new study shows kids who vape often have twice as many breathing problems as other kids.
A group called Forward Leeds made a new board game that teaches kids about drug risks. France just made it easier to open bars in small towns. This will help bring people together in rural areas. The Guardian wrote about how TV actors pretend to be drunk or high while staying safe during filming.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Wales drink deaths hit 562 last year. This breaks all past counts. Health teams call it the worst year yet. UK has stopped strong pain pills after surgery. The risk of getting hooked was too high for many. Good news from the north – a fresh rehab center with 27 beds opened in Scotland. They hope to help 200 folks by next year when more rooms are built.
NI’s Justice Minister says drug laws need a fresh look. “The war on drugs has not been won.” No more smoking at any Dorset hospitals now. The full ban covers Royal Bournemouth and all other sites. TV star Kym Marsh stubbed out her last cig for good. She told fans on No Smoking Day that her kids helped her quit.
Friday, March 14, 2025
Prime Minister Starmer wants to bring NHS England under government control. He says this change will cut red tape and avoid doing the same work twice. Leeds just made a new plan to fight drug and alcohol harm with help from people who beat addiction. Experts also shared better ways to study if teens who vape later start smoking.
President Trump wants to add a huge tax on drinks from Europe. This could start a trade fight between the US and EU. Good news from the south coast: many smokers in BCP have quit by switching to vapes. ITV News made a special report about the growing “chemsex” problem in parts of the UK’s gay community.
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Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
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