DRINK & DRUGS NEWS :: DDN Features

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05.05.08

Crossing the great divide
Getting former drug users into employment is an obvious goal, but the gulf between the old lifestyle and getting a paid job can seem vast. DDN visits a peer mentoring programme in Brighton to hear about vital steps into the world of work.

Art for health's sake
Art is becoming increasingly recognised as an important therapeutic tool. David Gilliver hears about a project in West Suffolk that has dramatically outgrown its modest start.

Hard to reach, or easy to ignore?
The 13th national conference on managing drug users in primary care shone a spotlight on clients that have slipped out of sight. DDN reports.

Vehicle for change
Using clinical governance can not only improve drug misuse treatment - it can drive an exciting opportunity to change services' culture, says Dr Susi Harris.

Post-its from practice
Dr Chris Ford considers morphine sulphate, with the goal of patient-defined recovery.

My great escape
Bri realises a change of scene is his only chance. Will he adapt to the south coast?

Background briefing
Prof David Clark's second part of looking at addiction as a chronic disorder.

Letters
Responses to recent DDN features.

21.04.08

Star quality
A new system is being introduced to rate the standard of residential treatment, giving clearer choices to clients. David Finney from the Commission for Social Care Inspection explains.

Bars to progress
Are criminal justice interventions working well enough to justify the significant investment in them? Last month's report from the UK Drug Policy Commission suggests not. Roger Howard gives us an overview.

Unlocking prison reform
When will we take notice of evidence and reform prison drug treatment? Comment from Kathy Gyngell of the Prisons and Addictions Forum.

Chapter one...
Fiona Friend looks at how creative writing can be used as therapy to recover from addiction.

Hidden harm: another postcode lottery?
Research shows that children of drug-using parents are still vulnerable to an unreliable patchwork of services, say David Best, Saffron Homayoun and John Witton.

My great escape
Down in London Bri Edwards' heroin habit required a steady income; nothing else for it but to get a job - whatever that took.

Background briefing
Professor David Clark looks at the nature of addiction as a chronic disorder.

Letters
Responses to recent DDN features.

07.04.08

Pulling together
Everybody talks about partnership these days, but translating it into effective action can be a very different matter. David Gilliver looks at Lambeth DAT's innovative approach.

Consulting the dragon
Before re-commissioning South Wales DIP, the management team decided to talk to service users about what they really needed. Glyn Davies explains how the new approach gave invaluable insight.

The great divide
This year's National Drug Treatment Conference showed how many barriers are in the way of ex-drug users joining the rest of society - particularly those who have been caught up in the criminal justice system. DDN reports.

My great escape
Bri Edwards recalls how he dreamt of escaping Aberdeen for the bright lights of London. But his drug habit becomes a very demanding companion.

Post-its from Practice
Dr Chris Ford reflects on a 'good' but unnecessary death.

Background briefing
Professor David Clark traces the route to recovery. Part one: Choosing the form of help required to change behaviour.

Service user group fact file
This issue: Frank Bond from BADSUF.

Letters
Responses to recent DDN features.

10.03.08

The drug strategy game
The government unveiled its new ten-year drug strategy on 27 February, following a seven-month consultation exercise. DDN invites you to roll dice through its main elements, to take a turn at seeing what's on offer.

Holiday in Cambodia
London drug worker Lee Sugden reveals how his unforgettable trip to the drug-littered streets of Phnom Penh took him to the frontline of harm reduction.

Streets of shame
Issues of stigmatisation can act as a barrier to stop people from accessing and remaining in treatment. Norman Raishbrooke tells David Gilliver about tackling problems in the Asian community.

Up to the job?
Is the drug and alcohol workforce fit for purpose or fit for change? asks Professor Neil McKeganey.

Background briefing
Professor David Clark continues his reflections on treatment of substance misuse problems (part 2).

Notes from the Alliance
Peter McDermott examines the drug strategy and asks why undermine its highs?

Letters
Responses to recent DDN features.

25.02.08

Nothing about us without us: The DDN/Alliance Service User Conference special issue.

Activism v realism
Opening themes from Daren Garratt, Glenda Daniels and Paul Hayes.

Them and us?
Exploring image and identity among service users.

User groups doing it for themselves
The tricky issue of funding.

Listening to the alcohol groups
Redressing the balance on alcohol.

Strength in numbers
The benefits of service user networking.

Taking control
Peter Martin's story of conquering stigma.

Back to work
Reintegrating with skills and employment.

Post-its from practice
Dr Chris Ford considers how best to respond to her pregnant patient's needs.

Letters
Responses to recent DDN features.

11.02.08

Deadly serious
Some countries give the death sentence for possession of an amount of drugs that won't even merit a custodial sentence elsewhere. David Gilliver looks at how the field and human rights campaigners are coming together to tackle this 21st century barbarism.

Getting it right for women
Ignoring women's specific needs can leave them highly vulnerable to relapse. Maggie Semmens and Claire Clarke share how they became more responsive to women in Clouds' mixed-sex treatment centre.

Art comes to life
Occupational therapy can open up a more creative route to recovery, as Jenny Lancaster explains with the help of service user Gillian Mowberry.

We did it!
Our regular columnist Daren Garratt reflects on our first user involvement conference on 31 January, when service users joined professionals and policymakers for a lively day of debate.

Background briefing
Professor David Clark reflects on different circumstances related to the treatment of substance use problems.

Letters
Responses to recent DDN features.

28.01.08

Making the suit fit
Making service user involvement into an active local force in Wolverhampton meant introducing structure, accountability - and a lot of creativity, as DDN found out.

Changing the rules on alcohol
Is an across-the board increase in tax really the answer? asks Kevin Wilson.

Uncharted waters
No one wants to stifle innovation, but many in the field are concerned at the lack of regulation alternative therapies on offer for drug and alcohol problems. David Gilliver looks at how the door is open for the public to be fleeced - and worse.

Group action
In a 'fact file' special, we've rounded up progress reports from some of the many active service user groups around the country.

Rules of engagement
Many people feel that services need to become more culturally sensitive and aware in order to engage people from BME communities in treatment. David Gilliver hears some of the arguments.

Letters
Responses to recent DDN features.

14.01.08

Leap into recovery
Addiction treatment is turning into a form of learned hopelessness, argues Dr David McCartney. He explains how the LEAP team is giving clients in Edinburgh a springboard to recovery.

A virtuous circle
Many people in recovery from a substance misuse problem feel the need to put something back. David Gilliver finds out from award-winning drugs worker Linda Sawyer how the Clean Break scheme aims to help them do just that.

No half measures?
Alcohol policy is moving into the 21st Century at last, says Don Shenker. Here he examines health and community safety issues that will make national and local alcohol policy more accountable.

Four-minute warning
First impressions play an important role in drug and alcohol services' success. You never get a second chance to get it right, says John Jolly.

Cream of the crop
The Home Office's Tackling Drugs, Saving Lives award recognise those who go the extra mile in helping service users and their families. DDN talks to this year's winners.

Notes from the Alliance
Daren Garratt has a personal reminder of why fighting the user's corner is as vital as ever.

Letters
Responses to recent DDN features.

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