In this health-conscious age there is increasing concern about tobacco smoking and inappropriate consumption levels of alcohol. Alcoholism poses an important occupational health problem which can affect an individual's personal welfare and limit his or her efficiency at work. There is concern about the increasing availability of drugs in society, the link between drug-taking and the spread of HIV in society, and the ways in which substance misuse generates more violence within society. Both excessive alcohol consumption and drug-taking may dispose an individual to antisocial actions and lead to criminal activities. By examining the underlying biological and psychological nature of these behaviours the book is intended to inform its readers of current advances in a number of relevant disciplines and to demonstrate some of the problems in collecting and interpreting information from particular groups. 2

Working with Substance Misusers is a practical handbook for students and those who work with people who misuse drugs or alcohol. Written by experienced teachers and clinicians, the book introduces: * the substances themselves * theories relevant to substance use and misuse * the skills necessary to work with this client group * the broad range of approaches to treatment * particular problems of specific groups. The reader is encouraged to read and reflect on the material in relation to their own practice. To help this process, each topic has an identified set of learning objectives. Activities designed to reinforce learning include discussion points, case studies, role plays and group exercises. Working with Substance Misusers makes clear the connection of theory to practice and encourages a skills-based, but reflective, approach to work in this complex field. Cutting across professional boundaries, it provides both new and more experienced practitioners with a key text.

Colin Martin has brought together an excellent set of contributors to produce a truly comprehensive text that will ensure all interested professionals can not only update their knowledge but also better understand each other’s roles and how best to help patients and clients through shared working to achieve a common goal of better health. This book is not just for people who see themselves as having a primary role in the field, but also for those – teachers, the police and family members – who live daily with its effects. Professor Dame Betty Kershaw University of Sheffield, UK Alcohol dependency represents an enduring problem for both the individual and wider society. Despite contemporary media coverage on increasingly dangerous levels of drinking in the United Kingdom, the fact remains that excessive alcohol consumption has been a distinguishing feature of Western society for generations. This book is arranged by a number of themed parts, largely representing the key areas in the process of facilitating access to effective clinical management. The book will also be of interest to the wider public who have an interest or concern in relation to alcohol dependency. Contents include: Part 1: Identification Part 2: Medical interventions Part 3: Psychological interventions Part 4: Contemporary issues in the identification and treatment of alcohol dependency Part 5: Clients with complex needs Part 6: Reproductive and developmental concerns

At a world level addiction and the fall-out from substance use is affecting more and more lives. Professionals are increasingly being confronted with puzzling, multifaceted aspects of substance use, whether they work in a clinic, the laboratory or the community. If you are a member of any caring profession, sooner or later you will encounter problems caused by drugs, alcohol and tobacco. In order to understand substance use and substance users, no single discipline can provide all the answers. In a novel way, this book integrates biological science, social science and clinical experience. It draws together contributions from experts in these diverse and rapidly growing fields, providing the reader with a deeper capacity to engage with problems effectively. Drink, Drugs and Dependence includes thought-provoking examples, illustrations and test questions to support problem-based learning. Designed to be read consecutively or as a reference text, it will be a welcome resource for all those working in the field of addiction.

This invaluable text on the design and analysis of clinical research studies explains the basis of experimental design and statistics in a way that is sensitive to the clinical context in which nurses work. It uses data from actual studies to illustrate how to: *design the study *use and select data *present research findings *use a computer for statistical analysis. The scope of the study designs and associated statistical techniques covered in the book allow both the beginning nurse researcher and the more seasoned professional nurse investigator to approach a research study with confidence and optimism. The authors show how qualitative data can be approached quantitatively, what the advantages of this are from the nursing viewpoint, and how quantitative methodology can help nurses to develop a common research language with other disciplines involved in patient care.