Background

Although several studies have found a high incidence of coexisting mental health problems among adolescents with substance use problems, follow-up studies addressing how these conditions change over time are rare. The study will describe and analyse indications of mental health problems and how various risk factors predict outcomes 1 year after initial treatment contact. In addition, gender-specific risk factors are explored.

Methods

A clinical sample of 455 adolescents (29% girls, median age 17 years) answered a structural interview at baseline and were followed up using...

Background

Recently developed buprenorphine depot injections have the potential to reduce risk for diversion and misuse, and to increase adherence with fewer visits for supervised intake. However, it is unclear how patients perceive this new form of medication. The purpose of this study was to explore patients’ experiences of depot injections and their reasons for continuing, discontinuing, or declining depot injection treatment.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 32 people, 14 of whom had ongoing depot injection treatment, 11 who had discontinued depot...

Background

Substance use among youth (ages 12–24) is troublesome given the increasing risk of harms associated. Even more so, substance use services are largely under utilised among youth, most only accessing support when in crisis. Few studies have explored young people’s help-seeking behaviours to address substance use concerns. To address this gap, this study explored how youth perceive and experience substance use services in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods

Participatory action research methods were used by partnering with BC youth (under the age of 30) from across the province...

Dear friends and colleagues, 

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs is starting very soon! In fact, tomorrow, Monday, 14 March 2022. 

Once again, all sessions, as well as the side events, are to be held online due to the pandemic. The good thing about that means that, you can still follow the plenaries and the side events! That’s why we thought that you might appreciate having all the links in one place.

GENERAL LINKS TO FOLLOW CND

• Link to 65th session with general information on organizational arrangements: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/commissions/CND/session/65_Session_2022/65CND_Main...

Early detection of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome allows infected people to use prophylaxis against opportunistic infections and beginning immediate treatment for secondary complications. People who receive treatment benefit from increased social support and, more crucially, change their behaviour to prevent the virus from spreading to others. One of the most major methods of HIV transmission is through medication injections, and this group is responsible for the spread of HIV since they are ignorant of their illness. The coexistence of HIV and other opportunistic infections and illnesses...

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal substance in the world, with a global prevalence of 4% among people aged 15 to 64 years and a recent trend of growing use. Cannabis usage can have negative health consequences, such as impaired neurodevelopment, an increased risk of addiction and other drug abuse, cognitive impairment, low educational attainment, and an increased risk of mental disease, such as psychosis, depression, and anxiety disorders. Cannabis usage during methadone therapy may have a negative influence on the success of the treatment. The purpose of this study was to find out how...

13-14 December 2021 UNODC/WHO Regional Workshop on the International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders (DUD) was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in hybrid format. 25 policymakers from Central Asia and high-level officials from Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries involved in policy development, planning, funding, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of treatment services and interventions for DUD attended the event. This UNODC/WHO workshop aimed to inform through sharing the International Standards for the Treatment of DUD (2020), the regional and national level...

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) presents the third annual event on partnering with the private sector to address the world drug problem.

The private sector can play a major role in preventing and combating the manufacture, diversion, sale, and misuse of drugs and precursors by mobilizing its unique resources, technologies, and expertise.

Throughout webinar week, INL will showcase the important role the private sector can play in addressing distinct aspects of the world drug problem, and how government and business can work...

Tobacco smoking is the greatest cause of sickness and early death worldwide, with 8 million people dying each year from a smoking-related condition. The use of pharmaceutical or behavioural assistance improves smokers' chances of quitting; nonetheless, the majority of smoking cessation efforts are unassisted.

Engagement with web-based smoking cessation interventions is a strong predictor of data retention in clinical trials and successful behaviour change.

WebQuit is a web-delivered smoking intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which suggests that psychological...