At Zoom Testing, we track key UK drug news weekly. This week shows worries about ketamine. A drug alert warns of fake ketamine with harmful effects in parts of England. One young woman needed a new bladder after using it. One UK city wants ketamine made a Class A drug to fight its use among young people. Most people back the government taking stronger steps on tobacco, alcohol and junk food.
We report on Project ADDER ending after five years of fighting drug misuse in the UK’s worst areas. Amsterdam will soon open a mobile room where people can use drugs safely. New studies show how alcohol harms people at all drinking levels. Cancer experts now say women should avoid all alcohol to lower breast cancer risk. From the ban on throw-away vapes coming in June to better help for those with addiction in Lambeth, we bring you what matters.
Monday, April 07, 2025
A UK city plans to fight ketamine use among young people by raising awareness and asking for it to be made a Class A drug. The White House has shared new drug plans to cut harm from drugs in the US. A new study shows AI tools can find opioid use problems as well as doctors can. This leads to fewer trips back to the hospital. Big wine glasses are less common in UK pubs as people choose smaller drinks. This shows a change in how we think about alcohol. New tests find that parts of the cannabis plant may help with pain but without the “high” effect. This could work better than opioid drugs. A BBC story tells of a young woman in drug recovery who hopes her dad can beat his drug problem too.
Tuesday, April 08, 2025
Project ADDER, a plan to fight drug misuse in the UK’s worst-hit areas, has ended after five years. Many local efforts will stay, like the one run by London police. In mid-April, Amsterdam will open a new mobile room where people can use drugs safely. This aims to help with drug use issues in a city park.
A pub in Kent has stopped all smoking in its garden after the UK law plans changed. A school in California will start the first college course about psychedelic drugs this August. Health experts want “bold action” from the UK Government as a new poll shows people back strong health plans.
Wednesday, April 09, 2025
A new study looks at how people handle the challenges of Dry January. It shows the ways people stay sober during these times. The study finds what works for those who sign up and those who try it on their own. In sad news, an inquest heard that drugs were found on more than 80 people at an event. This was the same event where Emily Stokes, age 17, died from what seems to be an MDMA dose.
Ireland has doubled its safety fund to €4 million. The money comes from seized crime assets and helps local safety projects. In other news, a pub in Norwich has said sorry for naming a drink after a date-rape drug. Also, Trump’s new taxes will make vapes cost much more in the US. This may push users back to smoking.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
A new report from Alcohol Change UK examines alcohol harm across the drinking spectrum, showing health risks at various consumption levels. The World Cancer Research Fund now advises women to avoid all alcohol to reduce breast cancer risk, going further than UK and WHO guidance. A Welsh council has voted to protect tenants and staff who are legally prescribed medical cannabis, marking a first in Wales.
Researchers have identified an emerging health concern with opioid dependence linked to unwashed poppy seed consumption. The BBC made a major error in news reports, claiming Britain consumes “117 million tonnes of cocaine each year” – a massive overstatement corrected by Full Fact. Starting June 1, 2025, disposable vapes will be banned in England, Scotland and Wales to help clean up streets.
Friday, April 11, 2025
A new Lancet study shows trends in alcohol-specific deaths in England from 2001-2022, noting rises following the COVID-19 pandemic. Cranstoun has issued a drug alert about fake ketamine with dangerous effects circulating in multiple parts of England. A BBC report shares the story of Amber Currah who needed a bladder transplant after ketamine use.
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