Giving a Damn

Details: Published: 10 August 2023; Hits: 1190

A large-scale evaluation of the impact of Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDAC) as an alternative to standard care proceedings (the new legal framework introduced by the Children and Families Act in 2014). FDAC aims to address the problems which have led the local authority to bring the parent(s) to court by using a ‘problem-solving’ approach. This involves a specialist multi-disciplinary team working closely with a judge and other professionals to provide intensive support to parents, with the aim of reducing their substance misuse issues.

Objectives: The objective of the impact evaluation was to understand the effect of FDAC proceedings on reunification for children and families at the end of care proceedings compared to standard care proceedings. The evaluation also aimed to test if parents who had been through the FDAC process as opposed to standard care proceedings were more likely to stop misusing substances, and also investigated if there were any differences in the rate of contested final hearings or the use of expert witnesses in proceedings.

Key findings:

Children with a primary carer in FDAC care proceedings were more likely to be reunified with their primary carer at the end of the care proceeding in comparison to children with a primary carer in non-FDAC care proceedings (52.0% versus 12.5%).
A higher proportion of FDAC than comparison parents had ceased to misuse drugs or alcohol by the end of the proceedings (33.6% versus 8.1%).
The proportion of hearings being contested was lower for FDAC than standard care proceedings (4.2% versus 23.8%).
A lower proportion of FDAC cases used external expert witness assessments compared with non-FDAC care proceedings (7.7% versus 96.1%).
Children in FDAC sites had lower probability of being placed in LA care compared with non-FDAC care proceedings (28.6% versus 54.7%).
The positive outcomes for cases supported by FDAC is in line with the evidence on FDAC in the WWCSC’s Evidence Store and the literature base.

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Details: Published: 10 August 2023; Hits: 1258

Alcohol, substance misuse causes brain changes, reducing 'cognitive flexibility'

“Cognitive flexibility” involves adapting to changes in circumstances to achieve favorable outcomes.
Certain substances influence cognitive flexibility, and researchers are still working to understand the interactions and changes that occur.
A recent study explored the link between reduced cognitive flexibility and the use of alcohol and cocaine.
The data offered vital insight into the underlying neural pathways involved in these brain changes.

“Cognitive flexibility is a complex phenomenon that typically refers to the ability to shift one’s mental focus and adapt to new obstacles, goals, and patterns. Being able to think and act effectively in response to changes in stimuli, environments, and surprises signifies a healthy level of cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is important because our environment is rapidly changing, and when our thinking patterns remain rigid and fixed, we become unable to adapt to our environment.”

“In this study, we see how some of that switch between impulsivity and compulsivity takes place — neurons are sending signals to release high levels of dopamine, which then inhibits other deep structures that enforce cognitive flexibility. As this cycle of behavioral abuse continues, the structures continue to inhibit cognitive flexibility, thus leading to a negative feedback loop,” Spielberg added.

(Source: medicalnewstoday.com

Details: Published: 11 July 2023; Hits: 1241

Once hailed for decriminalizing drugs, Portugal is now having doubts…PORTO, Portugal — Addiction haunts the recesses of this ancient port city, as people with gaunt, clumsy hands lift crack pipes to lips, syringes to veins. Authorities are sealing off warren-like alleyways with iron bars and fencing in parks to halt the spread of encampments. A siege mentality is taking root in nearby enclaves of pricey condos and multimillion-euro homes…Portugal decriminalized all drug use, including marijuana, cocaine and heroin, in an experiment that inspired similar efforts elsewhere, but now police are blaming a spike in the number of people who use drugs for a rise in crime. In one neighborhood, state-issued paraphernalia — powder-blue syringe caps, packets of citric acid for diluting heroin — litters sidewalks outside an elementary school…But given existing laws, there’s only so much they can do. On a recent afternoon, an emaciated man in striped pants sleeping in front of a state-funded drug-use center awoke to a patrol of four officers. He sat up, then defiantly began assembling his crack pipe. Officers walked on, shaking their heads… (For more :https://web.archive.org/web/20230707185209/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/07/portugal-drugs-decriminalization-heroin-crack/)

Portugal's crack cocaine & heroin epidemic shows madness of SNP's decriminalisation call The mayor of Porto says people shooting up in the street has become 'normalised' while the police say their 'hands are tied' when it comes to tackling drug-fuelled crime. Portugal is considering turning its back on the failing policy. The nation became the first in the world to introduce decriminalisation in 2001 but now soaring rates of crack and heroin addiction and overdose deaths are forcing many to demand a rethink. (For more : https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/world-news/portugals-crack-cocaine-heroin-epidemic-30419939)

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Details: Published: 06 July 2023; Hits: 1135

Adverse childhood experiences are ‘strong predictor’ for adolescent cannabis use.

Young people who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences between the ages of 0 – 12 years, including parental drug misuse, are at highest risk for developing problematic adolescent cannabis use as teenagers, according to a new study.

Adverse childhood experiences (‘ACEs’) considered included physical, emotional and sexual abuse, emotional neglect, bullying, parental substance use, violence between parents, parental mental health challenges, and a parent being convicted of a criminal offence.

Risks for problematic adolescent cannabis use are highest for individuals reporting 4 or more ACEs, and were particularly raised for those with parental substance use or abuse

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(What are you modelling to your kids? Permission models such as legalisation of cannabis are only going to precipitate greater harms to already vulnerable Gen Now and Gen Next - #preventdontpromote)

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Details: Published: 06 July 2023; Hits: 1234

Marijuana and the teenage brain.

Cognitive Effects: Detrimental
Academic Performance: Detrimental
Amotivational Syndrome: Detrimental
Dopamine Regulation: Detrimental
Social Withdrawal: Detrimental
Impact on Future Goals: Detrimental

Takeaways

The use of marijuana in adolescence can disrupt the normal development of the brain's endocannabinoid system.
Excessive marijuana use can disrupt dopamine balance in the brain, leading to a blunted reward response.
Raising awareness can help teens make informed decisions in support of their long-term goals.

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