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ISSUE 8 of DRUG AND ALCOHOL FINDINGS - Nuggets part 2 This service updates you with developments at the DRUG AND ALCOHOL FINDINGS web site http://findings.org.uk. ISSUE 8 of the DRUG AND ALCOHOL FINDINGS magazine first published in 2003 is now available free of charge as downloadable PDFs (Adobe Acrobat files). Access by clicking this link: http://findings.org.uk/issuesResults.php5?issueChoice=issue+8 or the BROWSE MAGAZINE link on the home page. This and subsequent messages will introduce you to more of the NUGGETS, each of which analyses an important new 'what works' evaluation. ************************************** NOT JUST FOR DRINKERS: SHORT MOTIVATIONAL COUNSELLING ALSO HELPS STIMULANT USERS US and Australian findings suggest that short motivational interventions can both reinforce the treatment of patients seeking help to curb their stimulant use and usefully raise the issue of stimulant use in settings such as needle exchanges and methadone programmes. Choose MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWS AS A STANDALONE OR TREATMENT-ENTRY RESPONSE... from the issue 8 listing or go direct to: http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_8_5.pdf RAPID INTAKE QUADRUPLES ATTENDANCE FOR CRACK TREATMENT In a deprived area of New Jersey, next-day appointments quadrupled initial attendance at a cocaine treatment service. More generally, rapid treatment entry means fewer clients drop out early without damaging longer-term retention. Choose ENGAGING CRACK USERS... from the issue 8 listing or go direct to: http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_8_6.pdf DUTCH SHOW THAT HEROIN PRESCRIBING RESCUES PATIENTS FAILED BY METHADONE From the Netherlands, the first large-scale randomised trial found that for opiate-addicted patients previously failed by oral methadone, prescribing injectable or smokable heroin greatly reduces crime and improves health and social functioning. Choose FIRST LARGE-SCALE RANDOMISED TRIAL... from the issue 8 listing or go direct to: http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_8_7.pdf NON-OPIATE DRUG ALMOST AS GOOD AS METHADONE FOR WITHDRAWING HEROIN ADDICTED PATIENTS Rigorous Cochrane review concludes that lofexidine almost matches methadone for opiate detoxification and has fewer side effects than clonidine, making it preferable when opiate-type drugs are contra-indicated. Extended text includes details of relevant studies. Choose LOFEXIDINE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE... from the issue 8 listing or go direct to: http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nug_8_8.pdf 'CULTURALLY COMPETENT' SERVICES DO NOT IMPROVE SERVICE ACCESS Contrary to expectations, US outpatient addiction treatment services which implemented culturally sensitive practices recommended for the UK did not improve outcomes by improving the take up of health and psychosocial services. Choose DISAPPOINTING RESULTS... from the issue 8 listing or go direct to: http://www.findings.org.uk/count/downloads/download.php?file=nugg_8_2.pdf ************************************** Further information from [log in to unmask] or by replying to this e-mail. FINDINGS is managed by DrugScope, Alcohol Concern and the National Addiction Centre, the two leading UK drug and alcohol information charities and the UK's leading clinical/research centre. The project is supported by the J. Paul Getty Jr. Charitable Trust (http://www.jpgettytrust.org.uk) and the Pilgrim Trust (http://www.thepilgrimtrust.org.uk).