HealingUS™ Centers ’s Post

Fentanyl mixed with stimulants may be ‘fourth wave’ of opioid crisis In a recent analysis, Aegis Sciences found just over 10% of the samples that tested positive either for fentanyl or meth tested positive for both drugs, although it’s unclear if they were mixed together or used separately. Effective testing saves lives. Aegis tests the broadest array of designer drugs, novel psychoactives and synthetic opioids. Aegis provides the most up-to-date tools to help providers manage risks posed by the ever changing array of illicit drugs flooding communities. If you are unsure if your lab provider is up to the challenge, contact Aegis to find out more. AegisLabs.com, info@aegislabs.com https://lnkd.in/gfsv7k75

An important remark in the conclusion: “It is important that community-based DCS are not viewed solely as individual-level harm reduction interventions in the context of complex and rapidly evolving illicit drug markets and increasing levels of harm.” It is time to look at harm reduction in terms of system and of service to and from the community.

Such an interesting article highlighting a variety of first-hand experiences with weight loss drugs. It seems that if one can benefit from them, it’s a good idea to also employ nutrition programs, such as Noom, and moderate daily exercise. #GLP-1s #nutrition #Noom #moderateactivity

The Long and Winding Road to Drug Checking In the UK After 12 years of preparations, evaluations and negotiations, The Loop starts the UK’s first regular drug checking service tomorrow. With more cities due to follow soon, this launch represents the start of a new era for drug checking and it could not come at a more important time. Read more from The Loop's founder Prof Fiona Measham in her piece: https://lnkd.in/evdE2ibS #DrugChecking #Bristol #HarmReduction

Crystal clear power analysis of drug policy making by Alex Stevens, a must read! It strongly resonates looking at the reality of many other countries, including mine: "Drug policy actors, including politicians, public health professionals, advocates and think tanks tend to gravitate around shared policy positions, motivated by these underlying ethical commitments. I call these loosely connected sets of actors and preferences ‘policy constellations’. They do not just bring together people, but the ideas and forms of power that they hold. The most influential policy constellations are those that have the greatest power, especially the institutional power that comes with holding high positions in government hierarchies, such as ministers and senior civil servants. The most influential policy constellation in the UK brings together traditionalist politicians and paternalist public health professionals in the medico-penal constellation. Their overlapping interest in controlling people who use drugs, and the power they hold to enact these interests, are why the use of evidence is tilted towards supporting ongoing prohibition and punishment, rather than the liberalisation of drugs and their users through decriminalisation and legalisation."

Some of the benefits of the Drug Patch and 24/7 drug monitoring.

Scotland is in the midst of a drugs death emergency. More or new synthetic substances in the drug supply could have devastating consequences - if a drug contains nitazenes, it could have different effects to what someone is expecting, and so there is an increased risk of harm, overdose and death. Hear me discuss this worrying trend with BBC Radio Scotland Lunchtime Live. There are a number of practical steps which would help us to better respond to the increase in synthetic opioids entering the illicit drug supply. - Drug checking services - Strengthening access to same day OST prescribing - Medications for benzodiazepine dependence - Expanding existing naloxone programmes. - Additional funding for more harm reduction services - More recovery & support- allowing more people to get better Access support and advice through our webchat service https://lnkd.in/eQeHcmhf WithYou

January HIGHLIGHTS: National Drug Control System (NDS7 Suite):

The Commission on Synthetic Opioids Report published February 8, 2022 The Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, established under Section 7221 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, was charged with examining aspects of the synthetic opioid threat to the United States—specifically, with developing a consensus on a strategic approach to combating the illegal flow of synthetic opioids into the United States. The Commission was composed of representatives of seven executive branch departments and agencies, four sitting members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and four subject-matter experts from the private sector chosen for their deep experience and expertise on this topic. The Commission Report identified five pillars with specific action items: -Develop a unified, central body to coordinate planning, implementation, and evaluation of all U.S. drug policies; -Disrupt drug supply through targeted oversight and enforcement; -Make public health demand-reduction approaches central in the fight against opioid trafficking to reduce the number of potential buyers; -Collaborate with other countries involved in the production and distribution of synthetic opioids and their chemical precursors; -Improve surveillance and data analysis to allow for more timely and effective interventions. How much progress has been made in implementing these recommendations by the current administration and where is that being reported and tracked ? https://lnkd.in/dpXFYbWt

Substance use trends in India are evolving. From the rise in prescription drug misuse to the growing popularity of synthetic drugs, it's crucial to stay informed. Let's raise awareness and drive change.  Need help? Call our helpline on 044-33125000. We’ll keep it confidential. #TrendsInAddiction #SubstanceAbuse #IndiaHealth #MentalHealth #YouthAwareness #DrugPrevention #RecoveryJourney #YRGCARE