What you've got to understand is that here in Southall, everyone's up to something. In 2006, Lilian Pizzichini swaps life on dry land for a narrowboat on the Paddington arm of the Grand Union Canal. The Adam Bonny, moored between Newlocks and Shackleton Estates, is to be the place she can learn more about her extensive working-class London family - and the place where she will become pulled into a strange underbelly of drugs, vagrant neighbours and criminals. Lilian always found it easier to observe than join in. Abandoned by everyone around her, by the time she was fourteen she had developed a taste for Pernod and black. Speed allowed her to talk to boys, but she spent most of her time with her great-aunt Dolly, who had no regard for convention, sang songs and urinated on the street. Born into the slums of Lisson Grove, Dolly spoke like Eliza Doolittle when no-one was listening. With her, Lilian felt the bonds of mischief, gambling, madness and song. As the sad lives of her ancestors sprawl and take root in her head, Lilian drinks endless brandy and cokes in the Brickmaker's Arms. Pete - ex-burglar and dealer - brings her heroin, skunk and bags of pills and, united by a desire to lose consciousness on a regular basis, becomes her boyfriend. He tells her about the Somalis and Punjabis and their rival gangs, about the honour killings happening under their bridges and they watch as the prostitutes and pimps run the streets. But addiction has a relentless appetite and Lilian soon realises that, just like the Adam Bonny, she is sinking and must, with her help of her ancestors, try to pull herself back.

Tessie Regan's collection of short stories, poems and quirky illustrations reveal the world as seen through the haze of alcohol addiction, the eccentricity of Asperger's and the ups and downs of an unconventional spiritual journey. Her honest and witty observations tell of moments of elation, confusion and hopeless desperation felt throughout her life, from the backbreaking pursuit of $100 in 'Lawnmower' to contemplating the start of her alcoholism at age 13 in 'The Jumping Off Place.' These brief, insightful accounts paint the truthful, warm-hearted, and wryly humorous portrait of a soul in search of reconciliation. This collection is essential reading for anyone on the autism spectrum dealing with alcoholism, substance addiction or mental health issues, and for their friends and families, as well as the professionals working with them.

Packed with information, advice and learning activities, this book tells you what you need to know about drugs, young people's drug use, and how you can help them stay safe. It covers everything from what the effects are and why young people take drugs, to how to negotiate drug rules and ways to prevent and minimise harm. An easy to use section contains factual information about various drugs, covering a description of each drug, street names, a brief history, legal status, availability, extent of use and cost, effects, possible harms, and harm reduction advice. The newest and emerging drugs, such as legal highs, are included, as well as illegal drugs, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. If you are working with or supporting young people or are a parent or carer, this is the book you need to help you understand drugs and respond positively and effectively to young people's drug use.