ISSUP, in collaboration with Faces & Voices of Recovery, has launched a new Global Recovery Network webinar series to spotlight diverse perspectives on recovery. The first webinar featured Dr. Haner Hernández, a respected expert in the field and a person in long-term recovery. Dr. Hernández currently serves as a Senior Consultant to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and plays a key role in advancing health equity, workforce development, and recovery support. His presentation provided an insightful and inclusive overview of multiple pathways to recovery, grounded in both...
Join our upcoming webinar highlighting key findings from the 2025 edition of the UNODC World Drug Report. The session will be presented by Giovanna Campello, Chief of the Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Section at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders provides a comprehensive snapshot of global trends in alcohol consumption, related harms, and national policy responses, alongside the availability and quality of treatment services for alcohol and drug use disorders.
Key Highlights:
Presents the latest data from WHO Member States, aligned with SDG Health Target 3.5: “Strengthen prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.”
Offers updated insights on global alcohol consumption patterns...
A global reference on drug markets, trends and policy developments, the World Drug Report offers a wealth of data and analysis and in 2025 comprises several elements tailored to different audiences.
ISSUP Greece and ISSUP Kazakhstan cordially invite you to a presentation of the results from an online study on alcohol use among adults in Greece and Kazakhstan.
This publication presents key findings from the 8th round of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), conducted in 2024 among 113,882 students aged 15–16 across 37 European countries.
Marking 30 years of monitoring adolescent risk behaviours, the 2024 edition introduces a new focus on mental well-being and prevention activities, highlighting their growing role in shaping youth health outcomes.
The key findings report is available in 33 languages and optimised for online access. A full report, ESPAD Report 2024, will be released in October 2025.
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...
Thom, B., Annand, F., Clancy, C., Whittaker, A., & Janiszewska, I. (2023). The role of UK alcohol and drug (AOD) nurses in a changing workforce. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 31(6), 616–624. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2023.2266554
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...
Source: Petersén, E., Augustsson Öfverström, H., Johansson, M. et al. Digital interventions as part of routine addiction care in Sweden: healthcare staff perceptions of what works. Addict Sci Clin Pract 20, 41 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13722-025-00570-1 Abstract Background Every year about...
This brief examines the average alcohol consumption of people in Canada and where it falls within the risk zones outlined in Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health (CGAH). The publication presents updated data on weekly drinking patterns by province, age, and sex, and assesses the extent to which people in Canada adhere to the CGAH guidelines. This report is intended to inform public health professionals, policy makers and researchers working to reduce alcohol-related harm.
Three Key Points You Will Find in the Document:
People who drink alcohol in Canada consume an average of more than13...
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%...
Cofresí, R.U., Piasecki, T.M. & Bartholow, B.D. Alcohol insensitivity and the incentive salience of alcohol: Two decades of work relevant to future directions of the addictions neuroclinical assessment. Transl Psychiatry 15, 50 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03273-y
In a recent article, Gunawan and colleagues explore how the Incentive Salience (IS) domain in the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment (ANA) framework relates to alcohol motivation and alcohol insensitivity. Their findings support previous research suggesting a connection between alcohol insensitivity and the motivation-driven response to alcohol-related cues. This review highlights the importance of understanding how individuals with low alcohol sensitivity (LS) experience stronger reactions to alcohol cues compared to those with high alcohol sensitivity (HS). It also emphasizes the need for...
Zyoud, S.H. Global scientific research landscape on binge drinking: a comprehensive bibliometric and visualization analysis of trends, collaborations, and future directions. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 20, 13 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-025-00641-1
Background
Binge drinking, defined as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks in a single session, is a major public health issue. It leads to cognitive and motor impairments and is linked to numerous health problems. This study aims to analyze globally published peer-reviewed literature on binge drinking.
Methods
A thorough search was conducted in the Scopus database using keywords related to binge drinking. Specific criteria were applied to filter the results, resulting in 2,763 relevant research papers. VOSviewer software was used to analyze and visualize connections between these studies...
Høiland, K., Raudeberg, R. & Egeland, J. The repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS) and substance use disorders: a systematic review. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 20, 12 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-025-00640-2
Background
Cognitive deficits are common in patients with substance use disorder (SUD) and can impact treatment outcomes. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) is a widely used tool that could help identify cognitive impairments in SUD patients. This systematic review examines the RBANS’ effectiveness in detecting cognitive impairment in SUD patients and discusses knowledge gaps and the need for further research.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted in PsycINFO, Medline, and Cochrane databases to find relevant studies on the use of RBANS in SUD...
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...
Europol (2025), European Union Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment - The changing DNA of serious and organised crime, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg
The EU-SOCTA offers one of the most thorough analyses conducted on the threats posed by serious organised crime to the EU’s internal security. Based on intelligence from EU Member States and international law enforcement partners, this report not only analyses the state of organised crime today – it anticipates threats of tomorrow, providing a roadmap for Europe’s law enforcement...
Bayigga, J., Kakai, I., Odongpiny, E.A.L. et al. Alcohol use disorder among people diagnosed with tuberculosis in a large urban case-finding project in central Uganda: prevalence, associated factors and challenges to treatment adherence. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 20, 10 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-024-00629-3
Background
Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB), delays diagnosis, and affects treatment adherence. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) among individuals with TB and to explore the challenges they face in accessing and adhering to TB treatment.
Methods
An explanatory sequential study was conducted in two urban districts in Uganda. Quantitative data on the prevalence of AUD were collected using the CAGE tool. Factors associated with AUD were analyzed using Poisson regression. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were held...
