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This month’s cover story
(page 8) reflects an issue that’s hitting the headlines – the increase in addiction to
gaming, which extends to online gambling and all its compulsive cousins. According to author Peter Smith, we
are well placed to take a proactive role in treatment and provide all-important family support. It’s a tricky issue
that defies neat categorisation. When does a hobby become an obsession? It's an unenviable task for parents
trying to detect and deal with a problem, but hopefully the article will give some useful pointers on support.
There are contributions in this issue that demonstrate why DDN will always strive to be an open forum for
debate. In our Soapbox (page 20), Dr Eliot Albers eloquently makes the case for preserving respect and
dignity alongside harm reduction, and highlights stigma created by an abstinence-focused recovery wave.
While on page 14, Marie, as she nears the end of her ‘journey of self-discovery’ series, credits colleagues and
activists in recovery with reaching out to her and helping her to retrieve her life. The views are very different,
but the common bond of individual rights is a timely reminder that mutual respect should be sacred.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at our
Be the Change
service user involvement conference this month.
We’ve got groups coming from all over the country – go to www.drinkanddrugsnews.com to book your place!
FEATURES
6
NEWS FOCUS
GPs in the UK are being warned to take care when prescribing any drugs that could lead
to dependence, as US addiction to prescription and over-the-counter drugs skyrockets.
8
GAME ON
– COVER STORY
The hobby of computer gaming can turn into an unhealthy obsession and the addiction
field is well placed to offer support, says Peter Smith.
12 SERVICES WITHOUT FRONTIERS
Learning from peers across Europe has helped to enhance UK services, says Phoenix Futures.
16 CANNABIS CLASS
With cannabis problems more prevalent than ever, Edinburgh charity Crew has devised
a masterclass to share knowledge. Fergus Boden reports.
17 HOME SECRETS
As National Children of Alcoholics Awareness Week takes place, Emma Spiegler urges us to
tackle the silence and stigma faced by many children and young adults.
18 A HEALTHY ATTITUDE
Alan Maryon Davis has spent his life in the public health arena. As Public Health England
prepares to oversee drug and alcohol service provision, he talks to David Gilliver.
REGULARS
4
NEWS ROUND-UP
: Alcohol industry launches minimum pricing fightback • Decriminalise possession
of all drugs, urges all-party group • Alcohol services ‘improving’ • Doctors warn on prescription addiction.
7
POST-ITS FROM PRACTICE
: We must keep helping patients effect change, says Dr Steve Brinksman.
7
MEDIA SAVVY
: Who’s been saying what..?
10 LEGAL LINE
:
Release solicitor Kirstie Douse answers your questions.
This issue: They’re cutting my housing benefit – how can we live?
10 LETTERS
:
Past prejudice; Unfair comment; No conspiracy.
11 ENTERPRISE CORNER
: Entrepreneurs offer valuable lessons in grabbing life’s chances, says Amar Lodhia.
13 FAMILY MATTERS
:
Latest research shows the value of investing in family support, says Joss Smith.
14 MY JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY
: In this sixth chapter, Marie picks herself up and grabs hold of life.
20 SOAPBOX
: The puritanical recovery agenda is stigmatising, marginalising and endangering the
health of people who use drugs or have a maintenance script, says Dr Eliot Ross Albers.
21 POLICY SCOPE
: Is recovery pushing harm reduction off the drug policy radar, asks Marcus Roberts.
THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE: COURSES, CONFERENCES AND TENDERS
Editor:
Claire Brown
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e: claire@cjwellings.com
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February 2013 |
drinkanddrugsnews
| 3
F
EDERATION OF
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RUG AND
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ROFESSIONALS
Life games
New addictions, age-old needs
Published by CJ Wellings Ltd,
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Kent TN24 8SG
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Editorial – Claire Brown
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