Abstract: Background: This paper examined the implications of the business cycle for cannabis and alcohol use. What little we know about cannabis use suggests that young Americans (teenagers and adults in their early 20s) seem more inclined to use illicit drugs and to use them more frequently with rises in the unemployment rate. In contrast, a more fulsome alcohol literature suggests that participation in drinking is unaffected by the business cycle
A paper published in the latest Alcohol and Alcoholism journal explores the implications of alcohol reduction policies within the broader context of substance misuse. 'Substitution and Complementarity in the Face of Alcohol-Specific Policy Interventions' has been written by Dr Simon Moore of the Violence and Society Research Group and is listed for debate
This week a Scottish cross-party 'alcohol summit' was held intending to move forward the contentious issue of minimum pricing . The Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said there had been agreement that action on price was an 'essential part' of tackling alcohol misuse, but no agreement was yet made on how to address it. Sturgeon said : “..
Aims This paper reviews a set of theories of behaviour change that are used outside the field of addiction and considers their relevance for this field.Methods Ten theories are reviewed in terms of (i) the main tenets of each theory, (ii) the implications of the theory for promoting change in addictive behaviours and (iii) studies in the field of addiction that have used the theory. An augmented feedback loop model based on Control Theory is used to organize the theories and to show how different interventions might achieve behaviour change.Results Briefly, each theory provided the following recommendations for intervention: Control Theory: prompt behavioural monitoring, Goal-Setting Theory: set specific and challenging goals, Model of Action Phases: form ‘implementation intentions’, Strength Model of Self-Control: bolster self-control resources, Social Cognition Models (Protection Motivation Theory, Theory of Planned Behaviour, Health Belief Model): modify relevant cognitions, Elaboration Likelihood Model: consider targets’ motivation and ability to process information, Prototype Willingness Model: change perceptions of the prototypical person who engages in behaviour and Social Cognitive Theory: modify self-efficacy.Conclusions There are a range of theories in the field of behaviour change that can be applied usefully to addiction, each one pointing to a different set of modifiable determinants and/or behaviour change techniques
Filed in Evidence Base
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Also tagged change, control-theory, health, health-belief, model, motivation, setting-theory, social, theories, theory, used-the-theory
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Following recent confirmation of plans to overhaul the Licensing Act in the Structural Reform Plan , a series of workshops will take place to seek views on forthcoming policy proposals. The Home Office, now responsible for Licensing, are hosting the workshops which will seek 'views on policy proposals to be outlined in a forthcoming consultation on the rebalancing of the Licensing Act to empower local communities to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder.' Invitations to attend are being disseminated via local authorities though the Morning Advertiser have published further details .
Abstract: Background: A key aim of supply-side drug law enforcement is to reduce drug use by increasing the retail price of drugs. Since most illicit drug users are polydrug users the effectiveness of this strategy depends on the extent to which drug users reduce their overall consumption of drugs
Recent work has criticized the evidence base for the effectiveness of addiction treatment under social controls and coercion, suggesting that the development of sound policies and treatment practices has been hampered by numerous limitations of the research conducted to date. Implicit assumptions of the effectiveness of coerced treatment are evident in the organization and evolution of treatment, legal, and social service systems, as well as in related legislative practices. This review builds upon previous work by focusing in greater detail on the potential value of incorporating client perspectives on coercion and the implications for interpreting and applying existing research findings.
Filed in Evidence Base, Harm Reduction
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Also tagged connections, development, effectiveness, Evidence Base, organization, potential, research, review, service-systems, synthesis, the-development, theory, treatment-entry, treatment-under
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