Release: Drugs, The Law & Your Rights
@releasedrugs.bsky.social
UK's centre of expertise on drugs and drug law. Global reports on decrim and racist policing. Campaigning for rights of people who use drugs.
Need advice? Contact 020 7324 2989/ [email protected]
Need advice? Contact 020 7324 2989/ [email protected]
We're joining forces with @peoplesletters.bsky.social with a shared space for harm reduction, radical literature and collective care, run by and for communities pushed to the margins: sex workers, queer & trans people, migrants, and people who use drugs.
October 31, 2025 at 11:32 AM
We're joining forces with @peoplesletters.bsky.social with a shared space for harm reduction, radical literature and collective care, run by and for communities pushed to the margins: sex workers, queer & trans people, migrants, and people who use drugs.
⚠️Medetomidine (sedative) detected in heroin supply in Essex
forwardtrust.org.uk/news/article...
It's also been found alongside nitazenes + Xylazine.
This is a concerning trend seen in US and Canada. Below are some harm reduction resources to share with people using heroin.
forwardtrust.org.uk/news/article...
It's also been found alongside nitazenes + Xylazine.
This is a concerning trend seen in US and Canada. Below are some harm reduction resources to share with people using heroin.
Forward Trust
If you're affected by drug or alcohol issues, past offending, homelessness or unemployment: help is out there!
forwardtrust.org.uk
October 14, 2025 at 9:50 AM
⚠️Medetomidine (sedative) detected in heroin supply in Essex
forwardtrust.org.uk/news/article...
It's also been found alongside nitazenes + Xylazine.
This is a concerning trend seen in US and Canada. Below are some harm reduction resources to share with people using heroin.
forwardtrust.org.uk/news/article...
It's also been found alongside nitazenes + Xylazine.
This is a concerning trend seen in US and Canada. Below are some harm reduction resources to share with people using heroin.
Join us this 19 October!
The Problem Is The Law: A Movement of Movements for Decriminalisation
A one-day event bringing together those working to decriminalise sex work, drugs, mental health, migration, abortion and trans life.
Tickets and more info 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-proble...
The Problem Is The Law: A Movement of Movements for Decriminalisation
A one-day event bringing together those working to decriminalise sex work, drugs, mental health, migration, abortion and trans life.
Tickets and more info 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-proble...
The Problem Is The Law: A Movement of Movements for Decriminalisation
A one-day event bringing together those working to decriminalise sex work, drugs, mental health, migration, abortion and trans life
www.eventbrite.com
October 6, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Join us this 19 October!
The Problem Is The Law: A Movement of Movements for Decriminalisation
A one-day event bringing together those working to decriminalise sex work, drugs, mental health, migration, abortion and trans life.
Tickets and more info 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-proble...
The Problem Is The Law: A Movement of Movements for Decriminalisation
A one-day event bringing together those working to decriminalise sex work, drugs, mental health, migration, abortion and trans life.
Tickets and more info 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-proble...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
An estimated 13,000 opioid-related deaths have been left out of official drug deaths from 2013-2022 - 50% higher than previously known.
This means what was already dire numbers were actually worse than expected. But would things have been different with this info?
An estimated 13,000 opioid-related deaths have been left out of official drug deaths from 2013-2022 - 50% higher than previously known.
This means what was already dire numbers were actually worse than expected. But would things have been different with this info?
Thousands of opioid deaths missed off official figures
The error - affecting England and Wales - raises concerns about the impact on the government's approach to drug deaths.
www.bbc.com
September 16, 2025 at 10:50 AM
www.bbc.com/news/article...
An estimated 13,000 opioid-related deaths have been left out of official drug deaths from 2013-2022 - 50% higher than previously known.
This means what was already dire numbers were actually worse than expected. But would things have been different with this info?
An estimated 13,000 opioid-related deaths have been left out of official drug deaths from 2013-2022 - 50% higher than previously known.
This means what was already dire numbers were actually worse than expected. But would things have been different with this info?
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
"Staff are saving lives every day while offering dignity and respect to people" - @niamhrelease.bsky.social
Thanks @politico.com for such important coverage + including us. The drug death crisis in Scotland needs all tools on hand to save lives.
"Staff are saving lives every day while offering dignity and respect to people" - @niamhrelease.bsky.social
Thanks @politico.com for such important coverage + including us. The drug death crisis in Scotland needs all tools on hand to save lives.
Amid Europe’s worst drug crisis, Glasgow is changing course
Health officials say the U.K’s first supervised drug clinic is saving lives. They’re still fighting to convince locals.
www.politico.eu
September 2, 2025 at 3:48 PM
www.politico.eu/article/euro...
"Staff are saving lives every day while offering dignity and respect to people" - @niamhrelease.bsky.social
Thanks @politico.com for such important coverage + including us. The drug death crisis in Scotland needs all tools on hand to save lives.
"Staff are saving lives every day while offering dignity and respect to people" - @niamhrelease.bsky.social
Thanks @politico.com for such important coverage + including us. The drug death crisis in Scotland needs all tools on hand to save lives.
www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/op...
Young people and general party-goers aren't aware of the risks of using drugs from an unregulated market.
Without market controls, we need access to tools to keep us safe:
👉 Drug checking
👉 Awareness campaigns
👉 OD Prevention Sites
👉 Harm reduction EVERYWHERE
Young people and general party-goers aren't aware of the risks of using drugs from an unregulated market.
Without market controls, we need access to tools to keep us safe:
👉 Drug checking
👉 Awareness campaigns
👉 OD Prevention Sites
👉 Harm reduction EVERYWHERE
Is London on the brink of an opioid crisis? What the capital's clubbers need to know
Synthetic opioids called nitazenes, which are up to 500 times stronger than heroin, are appearing in the capital in the form of pills, powders and vapes
www.standard.co.uk
July 24, 2025 at 12:53 PM
www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/op...
Young people and general party-goers aren't aware of the risks of using drugs from an unregulated market.
Without market controls, we need access to tools to keep us safe:
👉 Drug checking
👉 Awareness campaigns
👉 OD Prevention Sites
👉 Harm reduction EVERYWHERE
Young people and general party-goers aren't aware of the risks of using drugs from an unregulated market.
Without market controls, we need access to tools to keep us safe:
👉 Drug checking
👉 Awareness campaigns
👉 OD Prevention Sites
👉 Harm reduction EVERYWHERE
Police forces are often the first people on the scene and can keep someone alive.
While we'd support more community centred options without police presence, they should at the very least carry life-saving medicine.
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
While we'd support more community centred options without police presence, they should at the very least carry life-saving medicine.
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Revealed: Why Manchester police refuses to give life-saving overdose drug to officers
Greater Manchester Police's on naloxone response "disappointing" and reasoning "raises serious questions", says MP Tom Morrison.
www.bigissue.com
July 18, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Police forces are often the first people on the scene and can keep someone alive.
While we'd support more community centred options without police presence, they should at the very least carry life-saving medicine.
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
While we'd support more community centred options without police presence, they should at the very least carry life-saving medicine.
www.bigissue.com/news/social-...
Such an in-depth piece acknowledging local POVs + the tricky reality of addressing risky drug use in the context of deprivation, inequality and lack of care.
The Thistle is not a silver bullet - it's a needed intervention in a wider context of support.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528514...
The Thistle is not a silver bullet - it's a needed intervention in a wider context of support.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528514...
The truth about The Thistle - Scotland's first drugs consumption room
All eyes have been on Calton in Glasgow's East End since the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility began in January, allowing people to…
www.heraldscotland.com
July 7, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Such an in-depth piece acknowledging local POVs + the tricky reality of addressing risky drug use in the context of deprivation, inequality and lack of care.
The Thistle is not a silver bullet - it's a needed intervention in a wider context of support.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528514...
The Thistle is not a silver bullet - it's a needed intervention in a wider context of support.
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528514...
COME WORK WITH US
📢Legal Adviser
📅Closes: NEXT WEEK - 9:00 pm, Sunday 13 July 2025
More details on the job posting below 👇
www.release.org.uk/vacancy-lega...
📢Legal Adviser
📅Closes: NEXT WEEK - 9:00 pm, Sunday 13 July 2025
More details on the job posting below 👇
www.release.org.uk/vacancy-lega...
Vacancy - Legal Adviser
Please note: The minimum requirements for this post is completion of LLB, GDL, or SQE1 and minimum six months’ experience in social welfare legal advice and casework in areas such as crime, housing,…
www.release.org.uk
July 5, 2025 at 11:58 AM
COME WORK WITH US
📢Legal Adviser
📅Closes: NEXT WEEK - 9:00 pm, Sunday 13 July 2025
More details on the job posting below 👇
www.release.org.uk/vacancy-lega...
📢Legal Adviser
📅Closes: NEXT WEEK - 9:00 pm, Sunday 13 July 2025
More details on the job posting below 👇
www.release.org.uk/vacancy-lega...
Reposted by Release: Drugs, The Law & Your Rights
⚠️ The 2025 World Drug Report is out! #WDR2025
Drug markets are expanding. Harms are rising. Police-led approaches are failing.
UNODC won't say it plainly, so we did:
Drug markets are expanding. Harms are rising. Police-led approaches are failing.
UNODC won't say it plainly, so we did:
Evidence that cannot be contained: The World Drug Report 2025 reveals the ongoing failure of the drug control regime
Behind cautious language, the data expose a system that criminalises, harms, and undermines health.
idpc.net
June 26, 2025 at 9:03 AM
⚠️ The 2025 World Drug Report is out! #WDR2025
Drug markets are expanding. Harms are rising. Police-led approaches are failing.
UNODC won't say it plainly, so we did:
Drug markets are expanding. Harms are rising. Police-led approaches are failing.
UNODC won't say it plainly, so we did:
COME WORK WITH US
📢Legal Adviser
📅Closes: 9:00 pm, Sunday 13 July 2025
More details on the job posting below 👇
www.release.org.uk/vacancy-lega...
Please share with your networks 🫂
#legaljobs
📢Legal Adviser
📅Closes: 9:00 pm, Sunday 13 July 2025
More details on the job posting below 👇
www.release.org.uk/vacancy-lega...
Please share with your networks 🫂
#legaljobs
Vacancy - Legal Adviser
Please note: The minimum requirements for this post is completion of LLB, GDL, or SQE1 and minimum six months’ experience in social welfare legal advice and casework in areas such as crime, housing, b...
www.release.org.uk
June 17, 2025 at 7:54 AM
COME WORK WITH US
📢Legal Adviser
📅Closes: 9:00 pm, Sunday 13 July 2025
More details on the job posting below 👇
www.release.org.uk/vacancy-lega...
Please share with your networks 🫂
#legaljobs
📢Legal Adviser
📅Closes: 9:00 pm, Sunday 13 July 2025
More details on the job posting below 👇
www.release.org.uk/vacancy-lega...
Please share with your networks 🫂
#legaljobs
Reposted by Release: Drugs, The Law & Your Rights
This is long overdue - the Vagrancy Act continues to be used to criminalise 100s of homeless people 200 years after it was brought in!
I've been drawing attention to this cruel approach and calling for a focus on root causes - investing in housing & health services.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
I've been drawing attention to this cruel approach and calling for a focus on root causes - investing in housing & health services.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Rough sleeping to be decriminalised after 200 years
The Government has confirmed it will repeal the outdated Vagrancy Act 1824 by Spring next year, to ensure rough sleeping is no longer a criminal offence.
www.gov.uk
June 11, 2025 at 9:03 AM
This is long overdue - the Vagrancy Act continues to be used to criminalise 100s of homeless people 200 years after it was brought in!
I've been drawing attention to this cruel approach and calling for a focus on root causes - investing in housing & health services.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
I've been drawing attention to this cruel approach and calling for a focus on root causes - investing in housing & health services.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
People are supposedly using "medicinal grade" cannabis recreationally - but it's unclear whether it's being used for medical purposes, or they're just talking about high-quality/high-THC cannabis.
A bizarre story with just one line on the tiny data-sets the study used.
People are supposedly using "medicinal grade" cannabis recreationally - but it's unclear whether it's being used for medical purposes, or they're just talking about high-quality/high-THC cannabis.
A bizarre story with just one line on the tiny data-sets the study used.
Report finds Guernsey medicinal cannabis is used recreationally
Concerns raised by health professionals about the recreational use of medicinal cannabis.
www.bbc.com
June 11, 2025 at 10:21 AM
www.bbc.com/news/article...
People are supposedly using "medicinal grade" cannabis recreationally - but it's unclear whether it's being used for medical purposes, or they're just talking about high-quality/high-THC cannabis.
A bizarre story with just one line on the tiny data-sets the study used.
People are supposedly using "medicinal grade" cannabis recreationally - but it's unclear whether it's being used for medical purposes, or they're just talking about high-quality/high-THC cannabis.
A bizarre story with just one line on the tiny data-sets the study used.
The Common Ground Justice Project has a curious report on how UK publics are not excited about more prisons, but struggle to think of alternatives to incarceration. Abolition can crack through these attitudes with a new vision for supporting people.
Course Correction
New public opinion research from More in Common and the Common Ground Justice Project finds Britons think the justice system is broken, with widespread demands for radical change. The research uncovers deep...
www.moreincommon.org.uk
June 10, 2025 at 10:13 AM
The Common Ground Justice Project has a curious report on how UK publics are not excited about more prisons, but struggle to think of alternatives to incarceration. Abolition can crack through these attitudes with a new vision for supporting people.
While the headline is more sensationalist than what was said, Diana Johnson does make it clear that the Gov does "not support drug consumption facilities, it’s not our policy and we will not be amending the Misuse of Drugs Act.”
It seems disingenuous to...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
It seems disingenuous to...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Labour refuses to back controlled drug use rooms despite ongoing pilot
Ministers were accused of ‘condemning thousands of people to death’ over their stance
www.independent.co.uk
June 9, 2025 at 10:25 AM
While the headline is more sensationalist than what was said, Diana Johnson does make it clear that the Gov does "not support drug consumption facilities, it’s not our policy and we will not be amending the Misuse of Drugs Act.”
It seems disingenuous to...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
It seems disingenuous to...
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Simon Jenkins hit it on the head.
"The reality is that the divide in Britain is not between those “in favour” of cannabis and those against. It is between those who care about the impact of criminalisation and those who don’t"
Cannabis change is needed NOW
"The reality is that the divide in Britain is not between those “in favour” of cannabis and those against. It is between those who care about the impact of criminalisation and those who don’t"
Cannabis change is needed NOW
Sadiq Khan is right: Britain must decriminalise cannabis – or remain in the dark ages | Simon Jenkins
Criminalising drugs ruins lives and wastes police resources. Many other countries have realised this – so when will UK politicians, asks Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins
www.theguardian.com
June 7, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Simon Jenkins hit it on the head.
"The reality is that the divide in Britain is not between those “in favour” of cannabis and those against. It is between those who care about the impact of criminalisation and those who don’t"
Cannabis change is needed NOW
"The reality is that the divide in Britain is not between those “in favour” of cannabis and those against. It is between those who care about the impact of criminalisation and those who don’t"
Cannabis change is needed NOW
The campaign to close The Thistle is gaining a lot of media traction, fitting neatly in the war against any support for PWUD.
There's a lot of valid concerns around public cleanliness and taking in local concerns - but the result should not be more drug use stigma.
news.sky.com/story/living...
There's a lot of valid concerns around public cleanliness and taking in local concerns - but the result should not be more drug use stigma.
news.sky.com/story/living...
Living beside the UK's first drug consumption room
Sky News witnessed a makeshift drug den with hundreds of freshly used needles - it was like a minefield. One needle was stabbed into a large tree and there was even a wooden seat covered in drug-takin...
news.sky.com
May 30, 2025 at 10:15 AM
The campaign to close The Thistle is gaining a lot of media traction, fitting neatly in the war against any support for PWUD.
There's a lot of valid concerns around public cleanliness and taking in local concerns - but the result should not be more drug use stigma.
news.sky.com/story/living...
There's a lot of valid concerns around public cleanliness and taking in local concerns - but the result should not be more drug use stigma.
news.sky.com/story/living...
The London Drugs Commission finally recommends cannabis decrim, but urges caution when pushing for legalisation.
While it's a great recommendation after many rounds of evidence, the Gov has already shot down this recommendation.
www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...
While it's a great recommendation after many rounds of evidence, the Gov has already shot down this recommendation.
www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...
Just a moment...
Verifying you are human. This may take a few seconds.
www.london.gov.uk
May 29, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The London Drugs Commission finally recommends cannabis decrim, but urges caution when pushing for legalisation.
While it's a great recommendation after many rounds of evidence, the Gov has already shot down this recommendation.
www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...
While it's a great recommendation after many rounds of evidence, the Gov has already shot down this recommendation.
www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...
Compassionate approaches quickly shifted to more punishment in Oregon, as treatment funds were used to fund the wages of more prosecutors and acquiring police gadgets and vehicles.
There's limited funding for treatment and harm reduction, but for police..!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
There's limited funding for treatment and harm reduction, but for police..!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Revealed: Oregon spent funds meant for addiction services on prosecutors and police gadgets
As the state abandons decriminalization, treatment grants are going to sheriffs and district attorneys: ‘that might be two or three case managers’
www.theguardian.com
May 20, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Compassionate approaches quickly shifted to more punishment in Oregon, as treatment funds were used to fund the wages of more prosecutors and acquiring police gadgets and vehicles.
There's limited funding for treatment and harm reduction, but for police..!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
There's limited funding for treatment and harm reduction, but for police..!
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
How much more signalling does the Gov need to see that BOLD and INNOVATIVE actions in health are popular?
77% say they want a healthier life. We need drug policies that support healthier outcomes - meaning no jail time for drug use + harm reduction funding.
www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home...
77% say they want a healthier life. We need drug policies that support healthier outcomes - meaning no jail time for drug use + harm reduction funding.
www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home...
Tough policies to transform health not viewed as ‘nanny-statism’, poll finds
A survey of 2,010 UK adults found the NHS was among the top concerns for the public.
www.the-independent.com
April 28, 2025 at 2:59 PM
How much more signalling does the Gov need to see that BOLD and INNOVATIVE actions in health are popular?
77% say they want a healthier life. We need drug policies that support healthier outcomes - meaning no jail time for drug use + harm reduction funding.
www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home...
77% say they want a healthier life. We need drug policies that support healthier outcomes - meaning no jail time for drug use + harm reduction funding.
www.the-independent.com/news/uk/home...
Public health specialists know the value of DCRs: these interventions are a needed tool in the box of tactics for keeping people safe when using drugs.
There's local + expert support for a room - make it happen.
Interesting piece to help shift the pub narrative!
www.itv.com/news/utv/202...
There's local + expert support for a room - make it happen.
Interesting piece to help shift the pub narrative!
www.itv.com/news/utv/202...
Would a drug consumption room in Belfast help tackle addiction? | ITV News
As calls for a drug consumption room in Belfast escalate, UTV takes a look at how Dublin is tackling the addiction crisis. | UTV News
www.itv.com
April 15, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Public health specialists know the value of DCRs: these interventions are a needed tool in the box of tactics for keeping people safe when using drugs.
There's local + expert support for a room - make it happen.
Interesting piece to help shift the pub narrative!
www.itv.com/news/utv/202...
There's local + expert support for a room - make it happen.
Interesting piece to help shift the pub narrative!
www.itv.com/news/utv/202...
Beyond its obvious technological limitations and false positives, drug testing (not checking) is a carceral tactic that keeps punishing people through forced abstinence and denying people their freedom.
Despicable results in this investigation 👇
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Despicable results in this investigation 👇
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Revealed: drug tests in California prisons yielded false positives, affecting thousands of people
Records suggest Quest Diagnostics erroneously detected opiates. Lawyers say parole requests were jeopardized in the process
www.theguardian.com
April 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Beyond its obvious technological limitations and false positives, drug testing (not checking) is a carceral tactic that keeps punishing people through forced abstinence and denying people their freedom.
Despicable results in this investigation 👇
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Despicable results in this investigation 👇
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
The BBCs latest write-up on #TheThistle DCR in Glasgow is interesting and quite complete.
While starting off with much alarmism and focus on medical emergencies, it's got some great quotes from those using the DCR and Dr Priyardarshi who really hits it on the head 👇
www.bbc.com/news/article...
While starting off with much alarmism and focus on medical emergencies, it's got some great quotes from those using the DCR and Dr Priyardarshi who really hits it on the head 👇
www.bbc.com/news/article...
April 1, 2025 at 12:35 PM
The BBCs latest write-up on #TheThistle DCR in Glasgow is interesting and quite complete.
While starting off with much alarmism and focus on medical emergencies, it's got some great quotes from those using the DCR and Dr Priyardarshi who really hits it on the head 👇
www.bbc.com/news/article...
While starting off with much alarmism and focus on medical emergencies, it's got some great quotes from those using the DCR and Dr Priyardarshi who really hits it on the head 👇
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Release: Drugs, The Law & Your Rights
In 2023, Scotland saw 1,172 drug related deaths (DRDs). Approaches to death prevention are complex as solutions require coordinated action across different sectors. How can we explore how causes of DRDs interact in our health and social care system?
Let's use systems mapping!🧵 (1/17)
#systemscience
Let's use systems mapping!🧵 (1/17)
#systemscience
March 25, 2025 at 12:22 PM
In 2023, Scotland saw 1,172 drug related deaths (DRDs). Approaches to death prevention are complex as solutions require coordinated action across different sectors. How can we explore how causes of DRDs interact in our health and social care system?
Let's use systems mapping!🧵 (1/17)
#systemscience
Let's use systems mapping!🧵 (1/17)
#systemscience
Quietly published, the UK commissioned RAND study highlights that drug law enforcement actions are not effective in reducing violence - they're more likely to increase it, or displace it into other forms.
The evidence continues to pile against police-led drug laws 👇
www.gov.uk/government/p...
The evidence continues to pile against police-led drug laws 👇
www.gov.uk/government/p...
The impact of drug-related law enforcement activity on serious violence and homicide: A systematic review
www.gov.uk
March 31, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Quietly published, the UK commissioned RAND study highlights that drug law enforcement actions are not effective in reducing violence - they're more likely to increase it, or displace it into other forms.
The evidence continues to pile against police-led drug laws 👇
www.gov.uk/government/p...
The evidence continues to pile against police-led drug laws 👇
www.gov.uk/government/p...