Minister Colm Burke launches Professor Catherine Comiskey’s book “Addiction Research and Evaluation”

Posted on: 07 November 2024

Professor Comiskey's book: “Addiction Research and Evaluation, Addressing Key Challenges for Policy and Practice was launched at Trinity’s School of Nursing & Midwifery by Colm Burke T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy.

(L to R) Senator Lynn Ruane, Minister Colm Burke and Professor Catherine Comiskey at the book launch.

Guest speakers at the launch were: Senator Lynn Ruane, Paula Leonard, CEO, Alcohol Forum Ireland and Tony Duffin, CEO, Ana Liffey Drug Project. Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor Brian O’Connell acted as MC.

According to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, around 284 million people aged between 15 and 64 years used drugs in the year 2020. In addition, it is estimated that over 11 million people were injecting drugs and half of these were living with hepatitis C. Young people are using more drugs than previously, and numbers have increased over the past decade.

Focused on the translation of addiction research into effective practice, Professor Comiskey’s book will be a valuable resource for those involved in addiction research, treatment and policymaking, as Ireland embarks on the development of a new national drugs strategy.

The book draws upon international and national evidence, and the personal experience of Professor Comiskey in leading the Scientific Committee of the European Drugs Agency (the EUDA), her work with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), collaboration with healthcare providers, and membership of the National Oversight Committee for the Implementation of the National Drug Strategy.

(L to R) Tony Duffin, Paula Leonard, Prof Catherine Comiskey and Prof Brian O'Connell.

Colm Burke T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, said:

“I very much welcome the publication of this comprehensive, concise reference book, which highlights the importance of research and evaluation in drugs policy. These two approaches are at the heart of policy development in Ireland, shaping how we address ongoing and evolving challenges.

I commend Professor Comiskey for producing this very valuable resource, which draws on both international and national evidence as well as her personal experience throughout a distinguished career in this field.”

Prof Catherine Comiskey, Professor in Healthcare Modelling and Statistics, said:

 “As populations age in some regions, questions arise on the nature of substance use among older people. Countries with younger populations are concerned about estimates on the numbers of children potentially impacted by parental substance use and how to engage with them. Awareness of trauma informed services is increasing, and questions arise on the impact of domestic abuse or adverse childhood experiences on people who use drugs and their families.

As we face global political challenges with the movement or displacement of people, there is also a need to implement culturally appropriate services that are strengths-based. Climate change has shown us that we need to be prepared with rapid responses which will be future proofed and sustainable. 

“The aim of this book is to provide researchers, service providers and policy makers with a step-by-step guide to robust methodologies and illustrative case studies to address these challenges. The objective of each chapter is to answer a key question, provide a summary of the background evidence, demonstrate through a series of logical steps how to obtain national or local evidence and finally illustrate the process with detailed, real life case studies. 

“As addiction is encountered across a wide range of professions and civil society organizations, this book will be an essential textbook for graduate students of medicine, public health, addiction, psychology and health and social care professions.  It will be a guiding reference book for international, national and local commissioners and providers of related policies and services.  At a local level the step-by-step case studies will provide an easy-to-follow framework for those wishing to apply the methods to benefit and improve their own practice, service or policy.”

Senator Lynn Ruane, said:

“Professor Catherine Comiskey’s latest publication is the right book at the right time. There is significant momentum in Ireland, and internationally, regarding the pursuit and institution of a truly health-informed and health-led response to addiction and drug use, reflected in both the report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use and the interim report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use, to which Prof. Comiskey’s research and expertise proved invaluable. This book marks another impactful contribution by Prof. Comiskey to the growing research base which points to the value and importance of approaching addiction and problem drug use in a more compassionate, humane, and evidence-led way. As a policy maker and legislator, I warmly welcome its publication.”

Paula Leonard, CEO, Alcohol Forum Ireland, said:

“1,543 deaths in Ireland in 2019 were attributable to alcohol, representing 4.8% of all deaths here. We also have more than four times the number of drug related deaths than other EU countries, with 322 deaths recorded in 2020. So, I really welcome this publication from Professor Comiskey. As a country, we need to strengthen prevention, and we need to invest in evidence-based approaches to reducing harm. We can only achieve those things by investing in what works and Professor Comiskey's book can provide essential guidance for anyone interested in stemming the tide of alcohol and other drug related deaths here in Ireland.”

Tony Duffin, CEO, Ana Liffey Drug Project, said:

“Professor Catherine Comiskey's new book couldn’t be more timely. With the current National Drug Strategy soon drawing to a close, we’re at a pivotal moment in planning the next phase for drug policy in Ireland. This book provides valuable frameworks and insights that can empower commissioners and service providers alike, guiding them to assess the impact of their work effectively. We owe it to our communities to ensure every euro spent on drug services delivers real, measurable outcomes, and Catherine’s expertise is exactly what we need to anchor this work in evidence and relevance.”

MORE INFORMATION: “Addiction Research and Evaluation, Addressing Key Challenges for Policy and Practice is published by Springer NY. You can find out more about the book and purchase a copy at this link: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-65917-1

• Tags:
• Health
• Research