At Zoom Testing, we track key news in UK drug and alcohol testing. This week, Glasgow opened the UK’s first drug safety centre where nurses watch over people using drugs. The UK government has given money to local councils to help more people get treatment. Durham Police has started testing suspects for drugs while in custody. Bradford’s new campaign wants more people to carry naloxone kits that stop drug overdoses.
Our updates show some worrying news about children using vapes mixed with harmful drugs. But there’s good news too. Over 126,000 people in Manchester have quit smoking thanks to a top-rated program. Bath University found tobacco firms are fighting the new vape laws. Doctors warn that liver disease from drinking will rise by half in the next 20 years if nothing changes.
Monday, March 31, 2025
Glasgow opened the UK’s first drug safety center where nurses watch over people using drugs. The Thistle has already helped save lives by preventing overdoses. UK leaders recently met to discuss ways to reduce drug deaths across the country. In Wales, Flintshire plans to protect housing for people who use legal medical cannabis.
Greater Manchester won an award for helping 126,000 people quit smoking through its successful program. Starting April 1, Belgium will require shops to hide all tobacco products from view. Want to try a break from alcohol? The Sober Spring campaign offers a three-month path to explore life without drinking.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
The UK government has announced funding for local councils to improve drug and alcohol treatment systems for 2025-2026. A statement on this funding was made by Ashley Dalton MP in Parliament yesterday. Meanwhile, New Vision Bradford has launched a powerful “You Can Save a Life” campaign to prevent drug deaths by increasing the number of people carrying naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses.
ITV News reports that children as young as 13 have been taken to hospital after using vapes spiked with dangerous drugs like spice and fentanyl. In Scotland, doctors and an alcohol charity are calling for government action as new analysis shows a projected 54% rise in people living with chronic liver disease by 2044. Internationally, Oregon is seeing mass arrests following the end of its law that decriminalised drug possession.
Wednesday, April 02, 2025
The UK’s first drug consumption room has opened in Scotland, as shown in a new BBC documentary that explores the controversial facility aimed at reducing the country’s drug death rate – the worst in Europe. The University of Bath has released research showing tobacco companies are fighting the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill using familiar tactics. In healthcare news, Frimley Health has hired specialists to help pregnant women quit smoking.
A new study confirms Pubwatch schemes are vital for safer drinking venues, with 86% of stakeholders praising their impact on reducing alcohol-related crime. Bristol has launched a new integrated drug and alcohol service called Horizons, led by Turning Point in partnership with local organisations. Internationally, Oregon is testing innovative approaches to addiction treatment despite having one of America’s highest substance use disorder rates.
Thursday, April 3, 2025
A new roadmap to create a smokefree country has been released by ASH, building on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to protect future generations and reduce NHS burden. The University of Bradford is part of a campaign to promote life-saving overdose kits. Research suggests that while vaping helps smokers quit, it’s not harmless.
Durham Police have partnered with Cranstoun on a new drug testing scheme for suspects in custody. A study found that adding alcohol to male fruit flies’ food makes them more attractive to females, leading to higher mating success. A company claims to have made the first non-addictive cannabis-based painkiller, with trials showing promise for people with lower back pain.
Friday, April 04, 2025
Smoking during pregnancy remains a serious concern in some parts of Bradford, with rates reaching 25% in certain areas, according to a recent report. The Action on Smoking and Health charity points out this issue hits vulnerable communities hardest. In related health news, many doctors across the UK have noticed more Victorian-era diseases appearing again. They’re now calling on the government to tackle poverty as the root cause.
Some encouraging stories have emerged too. A woman previously caught supplying cocaine has successfully changed her life around and now works helping other offenders rehabilitate. The Forward Trust recently hosted their second Dragon’s Den event in London – you can read about it here. Three budding entrepreneurs presented business ideas to a panel that included Tony Adams, the Trust’s Chair of Trustees.
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