This survey is a collaborative effort by ICUDDR, NECPAM and ISAM. Together, we are trying to assess the impact recent reductions in funding have had to the workforce of fields dealing with substance use related issues.
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...
Lee, EH., Yu, HJ. Effectiveness of nurse-initiated smoking cessation intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 20, 18 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-025-00648-8
Background
Smoking is one of the top causes of preventable death and is linked to many serious health problems, including cancer and chronic diseases. Nurses can play a big role in helping people quit smoking by offering support through counselling, education, and mental health care. These nurse-led programs have been shown to increase quit rates. Training nurses to deliver these programs is important, and reviewing past studies helps us understand what works best.
Methods
Researchers searched eight major health databases between March 27 and August 1, 2024, to find studies on nurse-led...
CSUCH’s data visualisation tool can be used to estimate substance use trends across the country. The data helps inform programs, practices, and research to protect communities, save lives, and improve the well-being of people in Canada.
Spotlight: Top 3 causes of death due to substance use in Canada
More than 200 people died each day due to substance use (SU) in 2020 (the latest year for which data are available). That works out to 73,994 deaths that year. The average age of death due to SU was 45 years. Tobacco use caused 63% (46,366) of SU-related deaths, followed by alcohol at 23%...
Addiction and obesity share similar neurological pathways, both linked to compulsive behaviors and the brain's reward system. Research has highlighted the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed for diabetes, to help manage both appetite and addictive cravings. These medications, such as semaglutide, may regulate addictive behaviors by influencing reward circuits in the brain. However, they come with potential side effects, and their long-term effects are still under investigation.
In addition, a new compound, 5-Methoxy-2-aminoindane (MEAI), is being researched for its...
This week, we say goodbye to our dear friend and mentor, Jeff Lee, the founding Executive Director of ISSUP. Jeff was a steadfast advocate for the professionalization of prevention, insisting that those working in this field should be appropriately specialized. He often reminded us that while generalists and treatment specialists are well-meaning and deeply embedded within their communities, they are not always best placed to develop and implement evidence-based prevention systems. Jeff emphasized that prevention must be treated as a distinct science—one that is grounded in rigorous research...
The National Chapters Team held a pivotal 2-day virtual meeting from 10th – 11th December 2024 to evaluate the current operational model for National Chapters and identify opportunities for improvement and growth. The meeting was dubbed a ‘Vision Meeting’ to reflect the core agenda: Crafting a forward-looking plan for the ISSUP National Chapters.
The Global Recovery Network is committed to providing valuable and relevant content for our community.
To ensure our upcoming webinar series aligns with the needs and interests of our audience, we have developed this survey with U.S. based Faces and Voices of Recovery to determine which topics may be of most relevance. Our goal is to offer webinars that not only inform but also develop and build skills that support recovery, advocacy, and professional growth.
Your feedback is crucial in helping us design a webinar series that resonates with and benefits you.
On October 25, 2024, the official launch ceremony of the ISSUP Guatemala took place at the School of Psychology, University of San Carlos of Guatemala. This event marked a crucial step in the country's efforts to prevent and address substance use, bringing together experts and representatives from various national and international organizations.
The day commenced with the registration of guests, followed by a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by the Children's Orchestra of the National Conservatory of Guatemala. Mynor Lemus Urbina, the director of the School of Psychological Sciences...
The 1st National Youth Forum in Guatemala, a groundbreaking event dedicated to substance use prevention, was successfully organized by the Organization of American States’ Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (OAS/CICAD), in collaboration with ISSUP Guatemala and with the support of the Universidad de San Carlos.
This forum marked a significant milestone, with 38 youth leaders from across the country completing intensive training in substance use prevention. These young leaders are now equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to their...
On October 15th, the beginning of the Youth Leaders Forum on Substance Use Prevention in Guatemala in virtual mode. The activity aimed at young people between 18 and 26 years old seeks for participants to take advantage of strategies to develop substance consumption prevention projects, which are based on evidence and have an impact on their immediate surroundings. With them, young people assume a leading role in the prevention of substance use, to be key agents for the development of initiatives, acquiring knowledge and skills that can be transferred to other context situations. This...
Don't miss our latest newsletter for details of recent meetings and activities in Latin America and Africa. This issue also includes information on how to gain advanced clinical skills with the UTC16 Self Led Course.
Learn about global drug trends from the authors of the World Drug Report 2024!
UNODC experts will present the World Drug Report 2024, giving an overview of the latest developments and diving into the most up-to-date global data. In the...
A global reference on drug markets, trends and policy developments, the World Drug Report offers a wealth of data and analysis and in 2024 comprises several elements tailored to different audiences.
Stimulants are a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system, increasing alertness, energy, and attention while elevating mood. They achieve these effects by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Many stimulant-related hazards are linked to intensive, high-dose, or long-term usage. The mode of administration plays a significant moderating role; injecting stimulants and smoking crack cocaine or methamphetamine have been specifically associated with more problematic use behaviours. Even people who use stimulants sporadically or...