BACKGROUND: Implementing quality measurement is still a challenge in the field of drug treatment and harm reduction. In this case study, we investigate which strategies can be used to enhance the implementation of a policy in which quality indicators are made public.

METHODS: Building on an evidence-based methodology, this case study shows how an organisation in Flanders – the Flemish Institute for Quality of Care – develops quality indicators along with its strategies to implement the measurement of the indicators.

RESULTS: The study shows three types of quality indicators in the field of...

INTRODUCTION: In the favourable political climate of the mid-2010s, the standards for Assessment & Selection of Prevention programmes Issued from the Review of EDPQS (ASPIRE) were developed to support project planning in drug prevention.

METHODS: This case study is a narrative from the main coordinator responsible for drafting this quality assurance material.

RESULTS: The framework that led to the creation of the ASPIRE standards is described. The production process is then explained and, thereby, the 12 ASPIRE standards resulting from it are presented. These quality standards and their...

BACKGROUND: Coolmine’s implementation of quality standards involves a period of change management, strategic planning, and national policy development.

METHODS: A narrative case study focusing on national policy and internal strategic planning.

CONCLUSIONS: From 2000, Coolmine embarked on a change management journey that kept the organisation at the forefront of drug and alcohol treatment in Ireland and internationally while maintaining fidelity to the Therapeutic Community. The strategy for quality assurance is replicable across similar organisations.

INTRODUCTION: The Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC) is the main coordinating body for all matters related to licit and illicit substances as well as pathological gambling in Cyprus and it is responsible, inter alia, for the licensing, evaluation, funding (where possible), coordination, and reinforcement of all programmes, actions, and activities related to substances and gambling. Licensing and funding are based on the fulfilment of certain criteria and a certain level of quality.

METHODS: The process that led to the establishment of a quality standards system for licensing and...

BACKGROUND: The implementation of quality standards in the treatment of substance use disorders in Lithuania is not well documented in the literature. AIMS: To describe the process of the development of quality standards from grassroots initiatives to their integration into mainstream healthcare under the leadership of the Ministry of Health.

METHODS: Narrative review of retrieved documents, including related legal acts, followed by a subsequent content analysis.

RESULTS: The implementation was divided into three stages characterised by specific activities, leading stakeholders, and the...

پس منظر: چیک جمہوریہ میں نفسیاتی نسخے کی ادویات کا غلط استعمال تیزی سے عام ہو گیا ہے. ان منشیات میں سکون آور ادویات، ہپنوٹکس، انزیولائٹکس (بینزوڈیازپائنز اور زیڈ-ہپنوٹکس) اور اوپیوئڈز شامل ہیں۔ ان نسخے والی ادویات کی لت میں مبتلا مریض طویل مدتی استعمال سے وابستہ علامات ظاہر کرتے ہیں ، خاص طور پر نفسیاتی اور جسمانی مسائل ، نیند میں خلل ، کمزور علمی کارکردگی ، اور چڑچڑاپن۔ ان کی ضروریات کے لئے لچکدار جواب کی ضرورت ہے.

مقصد: تحقیق کا مقصد نشے کے علاج میں نفسیاتی منشیات کے عادی افراد کی منتخب نفسیاتی علامات اور معیار زندگی کی وضاحت کرنا ہے۔ تحقیق کے اہم نتائج میں ایک جائزہ مطالعہ اور اعداد و شمار...

This article provides reflection on the potential application of Bion’s model of basic assumption groups in patients undergoing midterm inpatient addiction treatment. The clinical implications are discussed in terms of the usability of Bion’s model and its possible benefits for patients in regimen addiction treatment, as well as the pitfalls associated with its application in this treatment modality. Despite the highly theoretical nature of this model, clinical experience to date confirms that analysis of the underlying assumptions and associated protomental patterns can provide valuable...

This live training on Motivational Interviewing takes place weekly on Thursdays from 10am till 11am SAST on the following dates: 9, 16, 23 & 30 March 2023.

Motivational Interviewing is a best-evidence approach for tackling harmful substance use and general motivation-related change, including that treatment non-adherence. It is an approach that does not seek to replace other therapeutic approaches, but that seeks instead to support and strengthen them.

We strongly recommend that you complete this Online Tour of Motivational Interviewing before attending this training: https:/...

Introduction 

There is increasing interest and evidence for the use of cannabinoid medications in the treatment of cannabis use disorder, but little examination of the correlates of successful treatment. This paper is a secondary analysis of a randomised placebo-controlled trial of nabiximols for the treatment of cannabis use disorder (CUD), aiming to identify which client and treatment characteristics impact treatment engagement and outcomes.

Method

Bayesian multiple regression models were used to examine the impact of age, gender, duration of regular cannabis use, daily quantity of...

Background

COVID-19 dramatically limited the scale and scope of local health department (LHD) work, redirecting resources to the response. However, the need for essential public health services—including substance use prevention—was not reduced.

Methods

Six quantitative data sources were examined, collected between 2016 and 2021, to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LHD substance use-related services.

Results

Before the pandemic, the proportion of LHDs providing some level of substance use prevention services was increasing, and many were expanding their level of provision...