Welcome
Welcome

Our newsletter includes links to Irish and international publications related to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. To view our entire collection of research and access our resources visit our website, Ireland's comprehensive substance use research library.

We have a new 'Irish data sources' webpage with information on prevalence studies.

Also, take a look at the NDTRS treatment data tables, services map and alcohol dashboard, among other resources on our site.


Irish-related publications
Understanding the early exposure and potential impact of alcohol health warning labels in Ireland: results from a cross-sectional survey

Kokole, Daša et al (2026) International Journal of Drug Policy, 156. doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105443 


Digital vectors of disease: how alcohol 'smart' labels leapfrog health policy

Coghlan, Anna et al (2026) BMC Public Health, 26. doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-27456-4 


Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a global perspective seeing the unseen: fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (s) in child welfare service provision. A discussion paper

Curran, William (2026) Child Protection and Practice, 10. doi.org/10.1016/j.chipro.2026.100334


"I never thought of myself": the lived experience of stigmatisation and wellbeing for Irish affected family members of relatives with substance use disorders.

Gaffey, Jane and Dunne, Simon (2026) Journal of Health Psychology, Early online. doi.org/10.1177/13591053261473420 


Vicarious trauma among a sample of European nurses: using qualitative findings from a mixed methods study to develop an organisational leadership guideline.

Annunziata, Kristine Nicki et al (2026) Journal of Nursing Management, 2026. doi.org/10.1155/jonm/9888206 


The code of the street as a hook to build redemption scripts in Cork City.

Windle, James et al (2026) The British Journal of Criminology, Early online. doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azag077


Peer support workers' experiences of supervision in substance use services

Mahon, Daryl (2026) Community Mental Health Journal, Early online. doi.org/10.1007/s10597-026-01715-5


My pregnancy: expert advice for every step

(2026) Dublin: Health Service Executive


FASD Ireland - second national conference

FASD Ireland. (2026) In: FASD & Justice, 14 and 15 May 2026, Dublin. 


Burnout, depressive, and somatic symptoms in Gaelic Games athletes: the mediating role of resilience

Huggard, Leigh et al (2026) Irish journal of psychological medicine, Early online, pp. 1-6. doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2026.10218. 


Child protection and welfare concerns in an adult emergency department

Carey, S et al (2026) Irish Medical Journal, 119, (7). 


A model of intergenerational adverse childhood experiences in a sample of Irish Families

Maiorano, Nicole et al (2026) Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Early online. doi.org/10.1177/08862605261476097


Domestic violence and abuse-related suicide: evidence from six years of Irish coronial data

Cox, Gemma et al (2026) Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, Early online. pp. 1-8. doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2026.10220 


Clinician awareness, attitudes and prescribing practices relating to doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) in Ireland: cross-sectional survey of sexual health professionals

Gilmore, John et al (2026) International Journal of STD & AIDS, 37, (8), pp. 861-869. doi.org/10.1177/09564624261445197 


A qualitative exploration of healthcare workers’ experiences in a sexual assault referral centre

McFadden, Sally et al (2026) Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice, Early online. doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2026.2638357 


Pornography use and its association with risk taking sexual behaviours among Irish adolescents

Murphy, Nicola M et al (2026) Public Health in Practice, 12. doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2026.100829 


Living independently and free from targeted abuse (LIFT): understanding mate crime and the experiences of disabled people in Ireland.

O'Mahony, Charles (2026) Galway: University of Galway


Traveller-led substance use resources. [Webpage]

East Limerick Traveller Project. (2026)


"Speaking through crisis": experiences of suicidal ideation and emergency care help-seeking among Irish Traveller women

O'Mahony, James et al (2026) Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, Early online. pp. 1-11. doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2026.10221


Feasibility of LifeLab Dublin: a co-designed health literacy intervention for socioeconomic disadvantaged schools

Grady, Caera L et al (2026) Health Promotion International, 41, (4). doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daag127 


National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) [Webpage]

(2026) Department of Education and Youth


Child poverty and well-being in transition: learning and adapting to accelerate change in children’s lives. Second progress report of the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office

Department of An Taoiseach. (2026) Dublin: Government of Ireland


Report of the Expert Advisory Group for the next suicide and self-harm reduction strategy.

Expert Advisory Group for the next suicide and self-harm reduction strategy. (2026) Dublin: Department of Health


Podcast: No/lo alcohol products - what role do they play in reducing alcohol harm?

(2026) Dublin: Alcohol Action Ireland


International comparisons of Irish alcohol excise taxation in the European Union and the UK in 2025

Foley, Anthony (2026) Dublin: Drinks Industry Group of Ireland


High Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction – Third annual progress report September 2024 – 2025

High Level Taskforce Steering Committee. (2026) Dublin: Department of Health; Department of Justice. 


HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline / HIV & Sexual Health Helpline annual report 2025

(2026) Dublin: Health Service Executive


National anti-money laundering, countering the financing of terrorism and countering proliferation financing strategy 2026.

Department of Finance. (2026) Dublin: Government of Ireland


Office of the State Pathologist annual report 2025

(2026) Dublin: Office of the State Pathologist


Irish Prison Service annual report 2025

(2026) Longford: Irish Prison Service


Parole Board annual report 2025

(2026) Dublin: Parole Board


Public transport passenger personal security report 2025

(2026) Dublin: National Transport Authority


Assessment of policing performance during 2025

Policing and Community Safety Authority. (2026) Dublin: PCSA


Rutland Centre annual report 2025

(2026) Dublin: Rutland Centre


International publications
The European drug index: measuring and comparing national substance use across the European Union to aid policy and planning

Murphy, Ethan et al (2026) International Journal of Drug Policy, 156. doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105451 


High awareness, low clarity: knowledge of the Australian Capital Territory's multi-drug decriminalisation reform among people who use illicit drugs

Sutherland, Rachel et al (2026) Drug and Alcohol Review, 45, (6). doi.org/10.1111/dar.70222 


Harnessing expert knowledge for prevention interventions through structured elicitations

Hanea, Anca et al (2026) Drugs: Education Prevention and Policy, Early online. doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2026.2716009 


Potential harms associated with universal school-based mental health programs for adolescents: a scoping review

Yao, Esther S et al (2026) The Journal of Adolescent Health, Early online. doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2026.06.009 


Cohort profile: Scotland's Substance Use and Health Intelligence Linked Dataset (SHIeLD)

Barnsdale, Lee et al (2026) International Journal of Epidemiology, 55, (4). doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyag140


Anti-stigma policy briefings

(2026) London: Anti-Stigma Network


Editorial: Understanding recovery capital for addiction recovery in adolescence and young adulthood

Hennessy, Emily A and Ivers, Jo-Hanna H  Frontiers in Adolescent Medicine, 4. doi: 10.3389/fradm.2026.1937519 


Recovery capital: a concept analysis

Zhang, Yudie et al (2026) Frontiers in Public Health, 14. doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1834864


Towards caring communities: a community-based qualitative inquiry of family caregiving for people who use drugs in rural settings

Mathias, Holly et al (2026) International Journal of Drug Policy, 156. doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105450 


Supporting concerned significant others beyond interventions: professional boundaries in alcohol and other drugs-related social services

Fagerström, Hans (2026) European Journal of Social Work, Early online. doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2026.2712608 


Educational outcomes for children living in households with adult substance misuse: a national data linkage study in Wales, UK

Farr, Ian et al (2026) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, Early online. doi.org/10.1136/jech-2026-226006 


WEDINOS annual report: April 2025 to March 2026

(2026) Cardiff: Public Health Wales


Specialist Needle and Syringe Programme: understanding change in specialist needle and syringe programme.

(2026) Cardiff: Public Health Wales. 


Needle and syringe programme activity in Wales annual report 2025 to 2026

Substance Misuse Programme, Health Protection Team, Public Health Wales. (2026) Cardiff: Public Health Wales


Making sense of implementation science planning tools: addressing implementation challenges in substance use disorder and mental health treatment

Elansary, Mei et al (2026) Global Implementation Research and Applications, 6, (3), pp. 436-452. doi.org/10.1007/s43477-026-00236-3 


You "can't get away from the social": Individual, relational, and contextual influences on mental health and substance use-related help-seeking among people in contact with the criminal justice system

Connell, Catriona et al (2026) PLoS ONE, 21, (7). doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0354996


Patient experiences and perceived efficacy of a newly implemented hospital-based withdrawal management unit in Vancouver, Canada: findings from the Road to Recovery evaluation

Roberge, Sidney et al (2026) Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 21, (1). doi.org/10.1186/s13722-026-00671-5


Digital mental health apps for young people in Europe: a systematic cross-country analysis

Madrid Cagigal, Alba et al (2026) PLOS Digital Health, 5, (8). doi.org/10.1371/journal.pdig.0001622


Youth care under pressure: addressing complex cases of youth homelessness through cross sectoral collaboration and reflective practice

Moentjens, Gwendy (2026) Journal of Social Care, 5, (2). doi.org/10.21427/x2d1-aw23 


Making up people involved in drug markets: punishment and protection in the policing of UK county lines

Kammersgaard, Tobias et al (2026) The British Journal of Criminology, Early online. doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azag061 


Managing competition in hybrid drug markets: how Snapchat mediates opportunities and risks for drug dealers’ practices

Korshøj, NT and Søgaard, Thomas Friis (2026) Drugs: Education Prevention and Policy, Early online. doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2025.2579161 


More than a second chance: realist, qualitative insights on the outcomes of police drug diversion in England

Smith, Rivka et al (2026) Criminology & Criminal Justice, Early online. doi.org/10.1177/17488958261462143 


Trends in overdose and other drug-induced deaths in Australia, 2005 - 2025

Chrzanowska, Agata et al (2026) Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney


Ketamine for substance use disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fang, Shu-Ping et al (2026) Frontiers in Psychiatry, 17. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1835709


Harm-reduction programs and interventions for equity-deserving populations who use crack-cocaine

Sculco, Camilla et al (2026) European Addiction Research, 32, (2), pp. 86-104. doi.org/10.1159/000551848 


Medication transitions and predictors of illicit substance use during opioid agonist treatment: a three-year follow-up study

Jobling, Nina et al (2026) Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 21, (1). doi.org/10.1186/s13722-026-00711-0 


Global perspectives on treatment and harm reduction services for opioid use disorder: Results from an international survey

Khojasteh Zonoozi, Arash et al (2026) International Journal of Drug Policy, 156. doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105448 


A fentanyl-responsive microneedle patch for harm reduction

Zhao, Penghui et al (2026) Advanced Science, Early online. doi.org/10.1002/advs.202524301


Barriers and facilitators to naloxone access for adolescents: a narrative review

Ramos, Cristian R et al (2026) Substance Use: Research and Treatment, 20. doi.org/10.1177/29768357261472425


The health and social effects of nonmedical cannabis use: technical brief

(2026) Geneva: World Health Organization


Impacts of global cannabis policy changes on substance use: a systematic review of quasi-experimental studies

Windle, Sarah B et al (2026) Millbank Quarterly, Early online. doi.org/10.1111/1468-0009.70108


Trends in emergency department visits involving cannabis hyperemesis syndrome identified using a new diagnosis code - United States, January 2023-May 2026

Vivolo-Kantor, Alana M et al (2026) MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 75, (30), pp. 391-396. doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7530a2 


Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome

Venkatesan, Thangam et al (2026) JAMA, Early online. doi.org/10.1001/jama.2026.7873 


Does co-administration of cannabidiol (CBD) influence the plasma availability of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its active metabolite in humans?

A systematic review and meta-analysis. Chester, Lucy A et al (2026) Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 190. doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106910 


People experiencing homelessness and their experiences with substance use services for alcohol treatment in England: journey mapping based on semi-structured interviews

Buss, Vera Helen et al (2026) Addiction, Early online. doi.org/10.1111/add.70563


Systematic review and meta analysis of comprehensive community initiatives on alcohol use and related harms

Gates, Peter et al (2026) Addiction, Early online. doi.org/10.1111/add.70553 


Translating WHO theory on alcohol to practice-where are we in the policy spectrum?

Magid, Avi (2026) European Journal of Public Health, 36, (4). doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag135 


Implementation of minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Scotland and subsequent rates of hospital-admitted self-harm: controlled interrupted time series analysis

Steeg, Sarah et al (2026) Journal of Public Health, Early online. doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdag058


Blinded by the 'lite': consumer perceptions of health-oriented claims on alcohol labels and self-reported impact on intended purchasing and consumption

Kostadinov, Victoria et al (2026) Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, Early online. doi.org/10.15288/jsad.25-00336 


Alcohol consumption and risk of dementia and cognitive decline: from evidence to prevention strategies

Fares, Auda (2026) European Medical Journal, 14, (1), pp. 105-122. doi.org/10.33590/emjneurol/CE9368V5 


Alcohol's harm to others among adults in Australia: findings from the 2022-2023 national drug and health household survey

Vu, Giang T et al (2026) International Journal of Drug Policy, 156. doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2026.105444 


Intervention models and behaviour change techniques to reduce the risk of alcohol exposed pregnancies: a systematic review of interventions for non-pregnant women

Akagwu, Oluwakemi et al (2026) Journal of Prevention, Early online. doi.org/10.1007/s10935-026-00940-8


Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and harmful sexual behaviours or sexual offending: a systematic scoping review

Nazeem, Uzma et al (2026) Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, Early online. doi.org/10.1007/s11896-026-09848-9


A register-based study of long-term health and social care costs among children with prenatal alcohol exposure

Jolma, Mirjami et al (2026) PLoS ONE, 21, (3). doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0332113


A systematic review of operational research modelling for alcohol consumption and its consequences

Williams, Elin H et al (2026) Health Systems, 15, (1), pp. 6-41. doi.org/10.1080/20476965.2025.2523751


The depiction of under 25s in alcohol and gambling ads online

Snapshot report. (2026) London: Advertising Standards Authority.


The global state of tobacco harm reduction 2026: a situation report

Shapiro, Harry and Mzhavanadze, Giorgi (2026) Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction


Supporting individuals to use Nicotine Replacement Therapy [NRT] to create a smoke-free home

A how to guide for NHS Health Boards. O’Donnell, R et al (2026) Stirling: University of Stirling


Changes in harm perceptions of e-cigarettes compared with cigarettes following the announcement of the disposable vape ban in Great Britain

Jackson, Sarah E et al (2026) Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 28, (8), pp. 1443-1448. doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntag030 


Changes in knowledge of the major harms of tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke exposure among adults who smoke

Findings from 26 countries of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Project (2002-2022) and 32 countries of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) (2008-2020). Chung-Hall, et al (2026) BMJ Open, 16, (8). doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-107667 


Australia's unique vaping reforms: first results from a repeated cross-sectional study in South Australia

Dono, Joanne et al (2026) Tobacco Control, Early online. doi.org/10.1136/tc-2025-060005


Compensatory smoking with very low nicotine content cigarettes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Denlinger-Apte, Rachel L et al (2026) JAMA Network Open, 9, (7). 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.22543 


Gambling products, gambling problems and gambling involvement: comparative analysis from two cross-sectional surveys, the Gambling Survey for Great Britain and the Health Survey for England series

Wardle, Heather and Tipping, Sarah (2026) Addictive Behaviors, 172. doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108429 


Suicidal ideation among people with different gambling behaviour profiles: analysis of a longitudinal survey of people who gamble regularly in the UK

Wardle, Heather et al (2026) BJPsych Open, 12, (1). doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2025.10935 


How does gambling marketing affect behaviours and attitudes? A systematic review of qualitative studies

Jääskeläinen, Paula et al (2026) Current Addiction Reports, 13, (70). doi.org/10.1007/s40429-026-00779-3 


Smartphone addiction and sleep disruption among young adults (18-25 years): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Okunlola, Tabitha Tolulope et al (2026) International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, Early online. doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2025-0168 


Health correlates and health-related outcomes associated with smartphone-related addictive behaviors in older adults: a scoping review

Jiang, Nan et al (2026) Frontiers in Public Health, 14. doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1879219 


News
Ministers establish joint Health and Justice working group to address availability and use of synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids

[Department of Health] (28 Aug 2026)


Poison helpline reports 4% rise in calls in 2025

[RTE News] Bowers, Fergal (27 Aug 2026) 


HSE initiative aims to combat drug harm at festivals

[RTE News] O'Flynn, Mark (22 Aug 2026) 


High-risk synthetic cannabinoids found in vapes and products sold in Ireland by HSE Drug Trends Lab

[HSE] (19 Aug 2026) 


Minister Butler publishes new data highlighting strong recovery and employment outcomes for young people supported by the Early Intervention Psychosis Programme

[Department of Health] (17 Aug 2026) 


Sexual Violence Centre calls for new legislation to tackle spiking

[RTE News] Creed, Karen (16 Aug 2026) 


HSE warns of pink cocaine, triple-strength MDMA and new ketamine strain during festival season

[thejournal.ie] Spearman, Ottoline (15 Aug 2026) 


'Prison of pain': The challenge of breaking out of painkiller addiction

[thejournal.ie] McHugh, Cara (15 Aug 2026) 


Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: the disability affecting nearly 400,000 people you may be unaware of

[newstalk.com] (15 Aug 2026) 


How the Garda is fighting the new wave of Irish drug gangs in the post-Kinahan era

[Irish Times] Lally, Conor (13 Aug 2026)


Evaluation of Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot finds significant benefits for children, families and school communities

[Department of Education and Youth] (12 Aug 2026) 


'An arms race': the evolving new synthetic drugs that need fresh methods to detect them

[thejournal.ie] Baker, Noel (11 Aug 2026) 


Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide: the endless days on Cork city's streets

[Irish Examiner] O'Keeffe, Donal (08 Aug 2026) 


Press release: Increasing alcohol excise duties can create virtuous circle that saves lives and money.

[Alcohol Action Ireland] (04 Aug 2026) 


Anti-social behaviour on public transport fell last year but people still think it's a problem

[thejournal.ie] Baker, Noel (03 Aug 2026)