Drug and Alcohol Misuse

A collection of training materials compiled by STRADA, Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol.

The harmful health effects of recreational ecstasy:a systematic review of observational evidence

This review aims to address the question: 'What are the harmful health effects of taking ecstasy(MDMA) for recreational use?' It does not examine the harmful indirect and/or social effects, such as effects on driving and road traffic accidents and the consequences of any effect MDMA may have on sexual behaviour.

Prescribing heroin: what is the evidence?

The first comprehensive overview of how and why heroin is prescribed in the UK. Prescribing heroin is the first overview of how and why heroin is prescribed in the UK. It brings together research evidence from the UK and elsewhere to provide a comprehensive review of the benefits and drawbacks of heroin prescription. Currently only a small number of UK doctors prescribe heroin. The government is planning a cautious and modest expansion of this treatment. This study considers whether heroin prescription is effective in the short and the long term.

Understanding and modifying the impact of parents’ substance misuse on children

outline the huge literature on the potentially negative impact on children of growing up with a parent who has an alcohol or drug problem, the risk factors that can exacerbate this effect, and resilience and the protective factors that can reduce it. Clear ways that practitioners can intervene to reduce risk and to increase resilience are discussed.