Drug and Alcohol Findings home page in a new window EFFECTIVENESS BANK BULLETIN 24 July 2012

The entries below are our accounts of documents collected by Drug and Alcohol Findings as relevant to improving outcomes from drug or alcohol interventions in the UK. The original documents were not published by Findings; click on the Titles to obtain copies. Free reprints may also be available from the authors. If displayed, click prepared e-mail to adapt the pre-prepared e-mail message or compose your own message. The Summary is intended to convey the findings and views expressed in the document. Below may be a commentary from Drug and Alcohol Findings.


Contents

Offender drink problem screening in Britain

First three entries in the bulletin explore the feasibility of screening arrestees or offenders in Britain for risky drinking. Among the samples heavy drinking was the norm but screening implementation was patchy and there was scepticism from staff about whether screening and brief intervention were the appropriate answers. The preference was to target the obviously problematic minority rather than the problem drinking majority. Last entry is a major EU report which reminds us of the public health roles of easy-access syringes and heroin substitute drugs.

Single question enough to identify most heavy drinking offenders ...

Despite senior support most detainees not screened for risky drinking ...

Screening offenders for risky drinking not a priority in Scotland ...

EU calls for widespread methadone and syringes to prevent disease ...