INTRODUCTION: Substance use among adolescents in the European Union constitutes a significant public health challenge. Particularly concerning are the early onset of use, patterns of polydrug consumption, and the emergence of novel psychoactive substances. This study examines prevailing trends and associated mental health risks through a secondary analysis of available data sources.

METHODS: The study employs secondary analysis of quantitative data from international and national databases (EMCDDA, ESPAD, Euro-DEN Plus, Public Health England), focusing on adolescents aged 10–24 years. The...

The UNODC has developed a Toolkit designed to strengthen the capacity of civil society, academia, and the private sector to support the implementation of the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and its Protocols.

The Toolkit aims to:

• Equip non-governmental stakeholders with practical strategies to engage with governments and build partnerships with UNODC.

• Facilitate knowledge-sharing, showcase promising practices, and provide useful resources for preventing and combating organized crime.

• Highlight the importance of collaboration across sectors...

This report from the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health reviews what we know about women’s substance use treatment and recovery in Canada. It highlights the need for trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and family-focused care. Since women-centred treatment has been under-researched and underfunded, the report brings together researchers, service providers, and organisations to discuss current evidence and identify key research priorities. The discussion focuses on four main areas essential to women’s recovery, emphasising Indigenous principles of purpose, belonging, hope, and...

This Charter introduces a visionary plan for a global partnership focused on recovery advocacy. The Global Recovery Network (GRN) is a new international group supported by several organizations. It offers a platform where members can strengthen their recovery support through lifelong learning, build meaningful connections, and promote better understanding and practices of recovery worldwide. GRN brings together people in recovery from substance use disorders and Recovery Allies—those who support recovery through personal efforts, programs, or advocacy. Together, they work to promote a shared...

AI is helping improve addiction treatment in many ways. It creates personalized treatment plans based on a person’s history and needs, and can even detect early signs of risk before addiction develops. AI also analyzes large amounts of data to better understand addiction patterns and improve recovery methods. Tools like AI chatbots offer around-the-clock support and a safe space to talk, while remote monitoring through apps and wearables helps counsellors track progress and prevent relapse. Virtual reality therapy lets individuals practice coping skills in realistic situations, making recovery...

INTRODUCTION: Third-party sperm donation represents the sole viable option for conception for a considerable number of infertile couples. The donation process is predicated on ensuring the high quality and safety of the donated cells. While screening for transmissible and genetic diseases is in place, there is an absence of uniform screening for substance use in potential donors.

AIM: The aim of this review is to provide summary information on national approaches to sperm donation and to highlight the lack of standardised screening protocols and a uniform approach to assessing dependency...

INTRODUCTION:

Addiction studies programmes are very diverse around the world. To respond to the public health perspective needs to decrease problems related to drug use, empowering the addiction workforce in a sustainable way is a relevant pathway. The main aim of the study was to describe and compare successfully running academic master’s programmes in addictions with proven sustainability and to find key supporting factors of these programmes.

METHODS:

The study was conducted in 2022-2023 with selected master’s-level study programmes in addictions actively participating in...

The objective of the study was to compare the use of medical and dental services by seniors residing at a seniors-only living facility and in the general community. It was a quantitative study, among 50 residents of the living facility and 173 in the general community. The data were collected between November 2011 and February 2012 through a questionnaire, and subjected to statistical analysis. Performance of clinical exams and satisfaction with health services was greater among seniors living in the general community; however, physical therapy treatment was more common among those living in...

Abstract: 

While the traditional complications of diabetes mellitus—such as cardiovascular disease—are well recognized, advances in treatment and increased life expectancy have revealed a new set of lesser-known complications that are becoming more prominent.

As mortality from vascular disease declines, conditions like cancer and dementia have emerged as leading causes of death among people with diabetes in several countries. In addition, growing evidence shows strong associations between diabetes and a range of comorbidities, including:

• Cognitive decline

• Functional disability

• ...

The International Drug Policy Academy (IDPA), established by the Council of Europe's Pompidou Group, is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of professionals involved in drug policy and addiction services. With over 50 years of international cooperation and capacity building, the IDPA aims to bridge the gap between policy, research, and practice across various sectors, fostering the development of coherent and sustainable drug policies.  

Objectives of the IDPA

• Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills of professionals for effective design, management and evaluation of drug...