The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in conjunction with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), is issuing this Health Advisory to notify public health professionals, clinicians, laboratorians, and people at risk for overdose about increasing reports from U.S. jurisdictions detecting medetomidine in the illegal drug supply and a severe withdrawal syndrome due to medetomidine exposure. Medetomidine (also known as 'rhino tranq,' 'mede,' or 'dex') is not approved for human use but is approved for sedation and analgesia in dogs. Its dextro-isomer...

On June 26, 2025, the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR) marked an important milestone with the global launch of the Universal Nurses Addiction Curriculum (UNAC). This initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, was created in response to the urgent global health challenge posed by alcohol and drug use. Designed by nurses, for nurses, UNAC acknowledges the vital role nurses play as the first, and often only, point of contact for...

Pre-service education sets the foundation for preparing health professionals to provide services within health systems. Educating medical and nursing students to provide mental health, neurological and substance use care: A practical guide for pre-service education provides a practical framework for enhancing first-degree medical and nursing education in mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) care. It outlines how to integrate 12 core competencies into curricula, offering guidance for universities, educators, and workforce planners. The guide emphasizes competency-based education that...

The Integrated Recovery-Oriented Nursing (IRON) Care Model: A Theoretical Framework for Optimizing Addiction Treatment Outcomes

The Integrated Recovery-Oriented Nursing (IRON) Care Model is a comprehensive theoretical framework designed to guide nursing practice in addiction treatment. It emphasizes a holistic, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, integrating evidence-based nursing interventions with the core principles of recovery. Grounded in established nursing and psychological theories, the IRON model aims to optimize treatment outcomes by fostering resilience, promoting self...

This practical and up-to-date guide offers comprehensive support for primary care clinicians managing patients with substance use disorders. Covering a wide range of substances and clinical scenarios, the book is organized into four parts: foundational knowledge, specific substance dependencies, clinical management (diagnosis, treatment, recovery), and considerations for special groups such as women, adolescents, and individuals with co-occurring disorders.

An essential resource for physicians, nurse practitioners, medical students, and addiction specialists.

A new study from the University of Dundee and University of Stirling highlights the impact of placing specialist Addiction Nurses (ANs) within primary care teams to support individuals with serious alcohol problems in disadvantaged communities. Focusing on a service in Glasgow (PCANOS), the research shows how ANs deliver person-centred care through home visits, building trust and improving health outcomes.

Patients reported reduced alcohol use, better well-being, and stronger family relationships. The study emphasises the importance of expanding the role of ANs to reach underserved...

Background:
This article shares findings from a study that looked into how alcohol and other drugs (AOD) nurses in the UK view their current career opportunities and the challenges they face. It also explores how changes in health services have affected their roles.

Methods:
Researchers conducted interviews with twelve AOD nurses using a narrative approach to allow for open discussion and new insights. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to identify common themes.

Key Findings:

• Nurses discussed the pros and cons of non-medical prescribing (NMP) and how it has...