National Documentation Centre on Drug Use
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Smoking and drinking among the Gypsy and Traveller communities: a population study in England.
No full textBACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gypsy and Traveller communities in the United Kingdom (UK) face substantial health challenges. Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol likely contribute to health disparities, but there is little national data on the prevalence or heaviness of smoking and drinking among these communities. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and heaviness of smoking and drinking among the UK Gypsy and Traveller communities compared with people from other UK ethnic groups.
DESIGN/SETTING: Observational study using data collected between 2013 and 2025 in a series of monthly cross-sectional surveys of representative samples of the adult population in England.
PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 18+, between 2013 and 2025 (total n = 226 339; Gypsy or Traveller n = 213).
MEASUREMENTS: Marginal means were derived from regression models and used to estimate the prevalence of current smoking and drinking (both of which includes daily and non-daily), and the heaviness of smoking (cigarettes per day) and drinking [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) score, units per week and estimated weekly alcohol consumption] by ethnicity; adjusted for age, gender and survey year.
FINDINGS: Current smoking prevalence was markedly higher among Gypsy and Travellers [33.0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 26.3-39.8%, n = 81] than among the "Other White" ethnic group (18.7%, 95% CI = 18.5-18.9%; P < 0.001), and exceeded estimates observed across other ethnic groups (range: 9.4-19.9%; all P < 0.001). Among those who smoked, Gypsy and Travellers reported smoking more cigarettes per day (geometric mean = 12.5, 95% CI = 8.9-17.6) than the "Other White" group (geometric mean = 9.0, 95% CI = 8.8-9.1; P = 0.59), with other ethnic groups ranging from 6.8-9.7, although not all comparisons reached significance. The proportion reporting any current alcohol consumption was lower among Gypsy and Travellers (61.5%, 95% CI = 53.8-69.2%, n = 126) than 'Other White' ethnicities (77.1%, 95% CI = 76.8-77.3%; P < 0.001). Prevalence of high risk drinking was similar among Gypsy and Travellers (11.3%, 95% CI = 6.7-15.8%) and "Other White" ethnic groups (10.7%, 95% CI = 10.5-10.9%; P = 0.808) but exceeded estimates observed across all other ethnic groups (range: 1.3-7.1%; all P < 0.05). Prevalence of possible dependence was higher among Gypsy and Travellers (3.5%, 95% CI = 0.4-6.6%) compared with the "Other White" (1.3%, 95% CI = 1.2-1.3%; P = 0.027) and all other ethnic groups (range: 0.3-0.8%; all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: People from Gypsy and Traveller communities in the United Kingdom appear to be more likely to smoke compared with other UK ethnic groups, and those who smoke and/or drink do so at more harmful levels compared with other UK ethnic groups
Semi-synthetic cannabinoids remain a potent concern in Ireland.
No full textLetter to the Editor.
Cannabis-like drugs known as “semi-synthetic cannabinoids” (SSCs) and other substitutes continue to be sold commercially throughout Ireland despite recent law changes that attempted to prohibit their sale. The continued provision of these substances is suggestive of flaws in Irish drug policy and enforcement that require ongoing attention. To situate the reader and highlight the urgency of the present situation, this Letter outlines the following: (1) the origins of SSCs; (2) the health risks of SSCs; (3) the need for further political and legislative action; and (4) the future of Irish drug policy
Dáil Éireann debate. Question 288, 289 – Healthcare policy [nicotine] [13181, 82/26,13182/26].
No full textDáil Éireann Debate. Question 750 – Departmental policies [night-time economy] [12607/26].
No full textNew drug trends: insights from focus group discussions. Civil society monitoring of harm reduction in Europe 2025.
No full text"They walked in and walked straight out of adult treatment": creating tailored drug outreach and service provision for young adults in England.
No full textBACKGROUND: In England and Wales, drug use and related harms among young adults aged 18-25 remain high. They are neglected in existing service provision. Drawing on evaluation findings of a multi-component drug outreach service in England and informed by the concept of 'emerging adulthood', this paper explores the possibilities for the development of bespoke interventions for young adults.
METHODS: This paper draws on semi-structured interviews (n=19) conducted with managers and practitioners within the outreach service, regional leads for young people's services, and strategic stakeholders in public health, police and education.
RESULTS: The co-produced outreach model was found to be agile, innovative and responsive to local drug trends. It was able to reach groups vulnerable to drug-related harms, by employing a different conceptualisation of 'harm reduction' centered on safety. Outreach interactions were limited in scope at some transition points to adulthood, with contact often lost when individuals reached age 18. Onward referral for those who need more intensive interventions was often difficult from ad hoc interactions, and existing adult treatment services were deemed unsuitable for young adult needs.
CONCLUSION: Emerging adults aged 18-25 are a diverse group with distinct substance use profiles. Outreach activities are effective for education, harm reduction messaging, and signposting for further support. However, there is a need for the development of bespoke young adult service provision with skilled, specialist staff who can help young adults navigate these transitions without harm
