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Cocaine is an addictive stimulant drug that originates from the leaves of the coca plant, which is indigenous to South America. The drug's effects include heightened alertness, attention, and energy, as well as feelings of euphoria and confidence. However, these effects come at a high cost, as cocaine use can lead to a range of negative health and social consequences.
Of all illicit substances, cannabis stands out as the most extensively cultivated, trafficked, and misused. It has significant effects on the human body and mind, altering sensory perceptions, mood, cognitive abilities, motor coordination, and sense of self and time. In this reading list, you can find out more about cannabis and cannabis use.
Recovery is a process that often takes significant time and effort to achieve and maintain. Here you will find a selection of resources and pieces of research relating to the topic of recovery support.
World AIDS Day takes place in December each year. This reading list contains a list of research, publications and resources for practitioners relating to HIV/Aids. We also have a network dedicated to HIV and HCV where you can find a collection of further reading.
Earlier this month, Jeff Lee, senior consultant to ISSUP, delivered two webinars that reviewed what prevention of substance abuse entails. The webinars were intended to be a "back to basics” for anyone working in the prevention field that wants to get an overview of what prevention is in an easy to comprehend way.
Mental health and substance use issues are commonly linked, and it is important that practitioners are skilled and knowledgeable in identifying and working with the potential challenges an individual may be facing.
The second webinar in our series on homelessness and substances use was presented by Dr Hannah Carver who focused on the different barriers that people experience when trying to access support and the evidence base for different interventions to address these barriers. Here, is a collection of articles on the subject.
This reading list is designed to complement the webinar presented by Lili Lemieux-Cumberlege on trauma, homelessness, and substance use.
According to the World Health Organisation, around half a million deaths each year are attributable to drug use. More than 70% of these deaths are related to opioids, with more than 30% of those deaths caused by overdose. Signs, symptoms, and management of an overdose differ depending on the situation and substance used. Below, is a list of research, publications, and tools on the subject of overdose recognition and management.
World No Tobacco Day takes place each year at the end of May. To link with the worldwide campaign, ISSUP is hosting a series of online events throughout May that investigate the topic of tobacco use. This reading list highlights additional ISSUP Knowledge Share resources and research on the subject.
Adverse Childhood Experiences are traumatic circumstances or events that occur during childhood. Research that has examined ACEs has pointed to the link between these traumatic events in childhood and the increased risk of negative physical and mental health outcomes throughout the life course.
Stigma is a complex construct that is present within societies at different levels. The impact of stigma can severely damage individuals and communities. People who use substances are often on the receiving end of stigmatising attitudes and discrimination from different sources ranging from the general public to healthcare professionals and politicians.
Around the world, people are living longer, meaning the global population of older adults is increasing.
Older adults are often dealing with multiple health difficulties and are particularly vulnerable to the impact of substance use. There needs to be greater understanding about the reasons why older adults use substances, the potential consequences and the way professionals can work with people to reduce the risk of harm.