Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe

📊 EUDA has recently updated its viral hepatitis elimination barometer for people who inject drugs in Europe. 🧬 Hepatitis C remains the most significant health burden in this group, with Hepatitis B also being more prevalent than in the general population. The barometer provides data to assess country performance across 11 indicators, revealing that most European nations are struggling to meet their targets. 🔗 Access the barometer here: https://lnkd.in/dte-uiFp

Following up on the news of drug-related deaths in Scotland: The age at which people die from drug misuse has risen over the past 20 years. In 2000, the highest rate of drug-related deaths was among those under 35. By 2023, this rate had increased dramatically and shifted to those aged 35 to 54. Find more statistics on drug-related deaths for 2023 and earlier years in the report from the National Records of Scotland: https://lnkd.in/dMjG8vuc

In the article, Austin Smith of the Scottish Drugs Forum says: “[...] not enough people are getting into treatment and when they do, they aren’t being offered the sort of wraparound care that they need to support them with the reasons they have been self-medicating in the first place.”

ℹ️ EUDA recently published a FAQ regarding the therapeutic use of psychedelic substance. The FAQ also provides information about prevalence and patterns of use, the presence of unlicensed and illegal psychedelic practices, and developments in clinical research. 📋 The digital resource is based on the findings from an EUDA project to develop a better understanding of key developments in this field and to respond to concerns raised by policymakers and other key customers and stakeholders.

📖 This recent paper in the International Journal of Drug Policy argues that cannabis education targeted at young people should employ mindful consumption and benefit maximization (MCBM) language. It promotes harm reduction practices but does not focus on harm as the primary issue related to cannabis use. 📋 The researchers explain that harm reduction campaigns aimed at cannabis consumers run the risk of sounding overly fearful and stigmatizing, ultimately being ignored like many of the old demand reduction initiatives. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dTfsqstB

🌟 The journal BMC Public Health is calling for submissions on improving the health of incarcerated people. 📋 The journal is accepting papers on innovative strategies and evidence-based practices to improve healthcare in carceral settings. 📅 The submission deadline is January 24, 2025. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dPesKsVe

✨ Today and tomorrow, the #PompidouGroup is organising a workshop in Kobuleti, Georgia, on the evidence and benefits of prison-based Therapeutic Communities (TC).   📝 This event, part of the project ‘Support to Penitentiary Systems Reforms in Georgia’, includes consultations with the Georgian Special Penitentiary Service, the Ministry of Health, and prison specialists on the implementation of TCs.   🌍 Experts from Norway, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova are sharing their experiences in improving the treatment of substance use disorders in prisons. Tomorrow, participants will visit Laituri prison to explore the potential introduction of a TC.

📌 In June 2024 the #PompidouGroup conducted assessment visits in Slovenia and Cyprus to assist local authorities in developing a comprehensive and human rights-based approach for the treatment and rehabilitation of people with substance use disorders in custodial settings. 🔎 In Slovenia, experts discussed plans to develop two prison-based therapeutic communities (TCs) for treating substance use disorders. In Cyprus, proposals were provided to establish a day-care unit within the prison complex in Nicosia for people with substance use disorders. 📋 Takeaways from these visits will be presented to the other members of Pompidou Group’s South-East European co-operation group of prison professionals during their fourth study visit in Strasbourg, France, on 24-26 September 2024. 🔗 Further reading about the assessment visits: https://lnkd.in/g8AuY95N

🚨 Registration is now open for #PompidouGroup’s 2024 “Annual Conference on Law Enforcement: Drug Control Network”!   📅 Date: 19-21 November in Strasbourg, France 📝 Registration deadline: 30 September   ⚠️ Slots are limited so early registration is recommended! No registration can be accepted after the deadline. Register through the link on the flyer: https://lnkd.in/dut-uFkv   ℹ️ The conference gathers participants from police, customs, justice, private industry, academia, and regional and international organizations to discuss topics such as drug manufacturing, trafficking, digital drug commerce, synthetic drug trends, and AI in drug control. Breakout sessions will delve into operational strategies, global challenges, crime issues, and legislative developments   🔗 More information: https://lnkd.in/gTuX_XBN

💡 In Georgia the #PompidouGroup successfully piloted the "Positive Parenting" programme in various institutions, including penitentiary and probation services, as part of the 2022-2023 action plan for preventing drug abuse. The programme educates inmates on positive parenting to create a protective environment for children and prevent drug use.   🎓 This Wednesday, certificates were handed over to participants in two prisons, marking the successful completion of the pilot phase. Participants praised the programme and noted improved family relationships. The next steps include evaluating the pilot programme, revising the curriculum, publishing support materials, creating a facilitator's handbook, and training specialist trainers. This initiative is part of the Council of Europe project "Support for Penitentiary System Reforms in Georgia", funded under the 2024-2027 Action Plan.   🔗 Further information: https://lnkd.in/dQUSD6KE