At Zoom Testing, we track key developments in UK drug and alcohol issues. This week, experts call UK alcohol deaths a “crisis” that needs quick action. Tests found strong opioids in water across many nations. This raises fears the UK might face drug issues like the US. Good news came too – Dutch shops can now sell legal cannabis, and UK brewers seek world status for cask ale.
Our updates show even small amounts of drink can raise cancer risk. In Scotland, more people went to hospital for drugs last year. Young adult vaping fell by half before the new vape ban. A new guide helps people respond to drug overdoses, and £2 million will fund addiction projects in May.
Monday, April 14, 2025
A new study by University of Sheffield and UCL calls the high rate of alcohol deaths in England since the pandemic an “acute crisis” needing urgent action. Researchers in Scotland report a rise in drug dealing and misuse in remote towns as part of the national effort to reduce drug deaths. The identification of nitazenes in wastewater across 22 countries raises concerns that the UK could face an opioid crisis similar to the US fentanyl epidemic.
On a positive note, the Dutch government is expanding its state-run cannabis experiment, allowing 80 “coffeeshops” in 10 towns to sell only legally grown cannabis. British brewers are seeking UNESCO heritage status for cask ale, hoping to gain official recognition for this traditional serving method unique to the UK. A running club that helps people recover from addiction is hosting an Easter race to raise money for charity.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
A new study finds that even low-level drinking increases cancer and cardiovascular risk, prompting Alcohol Change UK to call for health risk labels on alcohol products. In Belfast, the city council has voted to install needle disposal bins, while officials debate whether to follow Dublin’s example of opening a supervised injection site to address addiction issues. A leading GP warns that people ordering illicit weight loss drugs online are “dicing with death.”
Researchers from the University of California have developed an LSD analog that shows potential for treating schizophrenia with reduced hallucinogenic effects. The University of Stirling has published a study on alcohol industry activity across six African countries, finding 61 examples of corporate social responsibility and marketing efforts. The Centre for Justice Innovation will launch new research on effective substance use treatment for women on April 28.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Vape use is down by half among young adults aged 16-24, says a new UCL study. This drop from 63% to 35% comes just before the ban on throw-away vapes. In Scotland, more people went to hospital due to drugs last year. The count rose from 9,654 to 11,136, with pills like heroin being the main cause.
Wine sales are at their lowest since 1961. Many think young adults just don’t drink wine as much now. In good news, more than 4 in 10 patients at a West Midlands NHS Trust are trying to quit smoking when asked. This shows that help to stop smoking works well when given in the hospital.
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Public Health Scotland has released a new resource on responding to drug overdoses, created with Simon Community Scotland. A study in Addiction examines vaping trends since the UK announced plans to ban disposable vapes. In Northumberland, dedicated addiction support continues to help reduce fatal drug overdoses.
Innovate UK will open applications for the Addiction Healthcare Goals funding scheme on May 12, with £2 million available for projects addressing drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Royal Parks has warned that people may face prosecution during the annual 420 cannabis protest in Hyde Park. On a lighter note, research shows that listening to favourite music activates the brain’s opioid system, similar to other pleasurable experiences.
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Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
