The Importance of Meaning in Life: Perspectives on Occupational Therapy
This article explores the significance of meaningful activity in the context of well-being for individuals and communities in the post-modern era. By picking up on the distinctions between meaningful and unmeaningful activity, it examines how a break down of meaning contributes to “deaths of despair” in Western societies.
Drug Use: Reflections on Unlikely, Unusual and Productive Partnership by Prof Fiona Measham
Full title: Partnerships in Research – Reflections on Unlikely, Unusual and Productive Partnership By Prof Fiona Measham by Prof Fiona Measham, University of Liverpool. This was filmed as part of the Drugs Research Network Scotland Annual Conference. The lighting in the venue had broken and created poor conditions for filming.
Injecting Related Risk and Protection: The Importance of Peer Involvement by Dr Magdalena Harris
Documentary Analysis: Challenging Conceptions of Drug Use and Promoting Mental Health through Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
This is an introductory analysis which looks at the impact and themes explored in the documentary film ‘Psychedelics in Scotland’ which challenges conceptions around Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Cannabis as ‘agents of change’. The film presents a critical examination of our society, highlighting the systemic issues that manifest as spiritual and mental health challenges, particularly in drug-using communities. This summary aims to analyze the documentary’s key points it makes on the potential of psychedelic assisted therapy and the responsible use of cannabis as innovative approaches to addressing mental health concerns. Read more…
Drug Consumption Rooms: A Presentation by Fiona Gilbertson
This is a recording and transcript of a presentation given by Fiona Gilbertson at a closed conference examining drugs policy. Fiona Gilbertson is a campaigner and activist on a range of social issues including recovering justice for drug users. You can find out more about her work by visiting RecoveringJustice.org.uk
Giving Up The Smartphone and Gating Technology: Managing Information, Media and Technology
Over the last several years the number of conversations which I have had with people about smartphones and the effects of digital technology in our lives is numerous. In particular, many conversations have oriented around giving up a smartphone and living without technology cemented into every part of your life. After some time I decided to give it a try to see what it felt like not to have a phone with the purpose of discovering whether a phone is as important as it had come to feel to be. Read more…
N Acetyl Cysteine in Problem Drug Use and Psychiatric Treatments: A Verbatim Science Method
This article explores n acetyl cysteine as a therapeutic and continues the exploration of scientific method and research techniques available to us all which help us establish whether knowledge is increasingly reliable or decreasingly reliable. The professionalisation and financialisation of various aspects of life brings with it pros and cons. As science and medicine become increasingly politicised, it seems a vital part of culture to ensure the demystification of these fields so that everyone can gain from the agency to make up their own mind on issues which are relevant to them. Read more…
Can the Opioid System Offer a Unifying Framework for Addiction ?
This is a poster presentation given at the Society for the Study of Addiction conference taking place on 7th and 8th of November 2019. Coming from a peer researcher background this is part of the work being contributed to discussions around services, policy and practice relating to drug use. Read more…