Clients’ perceptions of and reactions to treatment are the focus of this final of four bulletins recapping 16 reviews for the American Psychological Association. Emerging from psychotherapy research worldwide are practical and effective ways to assess, shape and use these perceptions and reactions to improve outcomes for substance use clients. “Essential reading” Dr Luke Mitcheson, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

People who have experienced serious mental health issues are three times more likely to smoke than the wider population.

This summary, plus infographic, describes the Smoking Cessation Intervention for People with Severe Mental Ill Health trial.

The study, led by the University of York, demonstrated that when people with severe mental ill health issues are provided with a bespoke smoking cessation intervention, smoking quit rates were doubled compared to those who received usual care.

This research highlights the importance of tailored and responsive interventions for people who use...

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Government of Serbia, UNODC supported the implementation of the UNODC/WHO substance use disorder treatment facility survey to map existing treatment capacity. The results of the survey serve national policy makers to enhance the availability and quality of services across the country.
This is the first global pilot of the UNODC/WHO survey tool and the first in the country with such an implementation methodology and such an extensive coverage (75% of national treatment facilities reached). The treatment facility survey was acknowledged by the...

Second of four bulletins recapping 16 reviews for the American Psychological Association featuring expert advice and amalgamations of research findings on different aspects of the client-therapist relationship. With the overview of the reviews, these constitute an authoritative resource for treatment staff who want to develop their relationship skills. This second bulletin focuses on major elements which coalesce into the recovery-promoting bond between client and therapist.

“Findings have drawn attention to a significant body of work that seeks to understand what makes psychotherapy...

Research findings amalgamated for the American Psychological Association show that outcomes of psychosocial treatments are substantially improved when clients and therapists agree on goals and methods and form collaborative relationships ... but when illegal drug use is the problem, partnership has its limits.

Impressively wise, unprecedentedly comprehensive, backed by the American Psychological Association, and based on expert assessments and 16 new evidence reviews, the overview featured in this analysis has claims to being the single most important document for treatment practitioners who want to develop their relationship skills based on what works in promoting client welfare.

UNODC has compiled a selection of educational materials and flyers that provide information on drug dependence treatment and care.

The resource has been translated into several languages and covers topics including:

• patient rights and responsibilities
• service quality and expectations
• stigma
• principles for substance use disorders treatment and care services

Time to Act! outlines pragmatic and concrete actions, following the UN General Assembly Special Session 2016 (UNGASS 2016), for prevention of non-medical use of controlled substances, treatment of drug use disorders, social protection and health care for people affected by drugs.

The resource, designed by UNODC, provides details covering the following 10 actions:

• Support for parents
• Reduce school dropout
• Train teachers to develop3 the personal and social skills of children
• Reliable information
• Opportunities for health and safe development
• Provide unconditional health and social...