Few problems are as complicated as drug misuse. Drug addiction is a major public health issue with implications for healthcare systems and society at large. As well as expenditure on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, costs are also incurred by the welfare, social service and the criminal justice systems. In addition, there are further human costs associated with impaired health, damaged relationships and lowered productivity.

This book is about treatment options. The history of addiction treatment has been characterised by fads and fashions. Some of the treatments used have been, at best ineffective, at worst harmful, and occasionally even dangerous. However, in the past two decades, many promising treatment interventions and procedures, and new theraputic agents have been developed. Different forms of psychological treatments have been tested and provided in a systematic manner. There are a range of pharmacological options where once there were very few. Most importantly, there is increasing evidence about the effectiveness of many of these treatments, and there is a clearer understanding of the importance of the social, environmental, behavioural and cognitive processes involved, as well as the use of active coping strategies during recovery.

Addiction treatment involves a variety of different practices and procedures used with different populations and which are designed to achieve different goals. Drug Addiction and its Treatment explains why no single treatment is effective for everyone with a drug addiction problem.

Treatment is provided by a range of personnel from differing backgrounds and in a range of settings. This book should be read by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, nurses, policy makers, service managers, and researchers with an interest in addiction.

Now in its seventh edition, Living with Drugs continues to be a well-respected and indispensable reference tool. Michael Gossop has updated this new edition to take account of new laws and practices that have come in to place since the previous edition, published in 2007. Written in an accessible style and providing a balanced perspective, the book is ideal for non-specialists in training, such as student nurses and social workers and for anyone with an interest in this complex, ever-present and emotive issue.

The British system of dealing with drug addiction is notable for its flexibility and its capacity to adapt to changing circumstances. Because of this it has attracted considerable international interest, although it is rarely fully understood or accurately represented.
Presenting a comprehensive account of the development of policies and treatments, Heroin Addiction brings together the perspectives of policy makers, practitioners and social commentators. The book contributes to a proper understanding of how policy and practice has evolved so that lessons for future policy and practice may be identified.
Volume II of Heroin Addiction charts the development and use of treatment and policy responses in the UK, highlighting the limitations of these approaches as well as their achievements. It is a unique source of reference for students, researchers, healthcare professionals and drug agencies both in the UK and overseas.

The British system of dealing with drug addiction is notable for its flexibility and its capacity to adapt to changing circumstances. Because of this it has attracted considerable international interest, although it is rarely fully understood or accurately represented.
Presenting a comprehensive account of the development of policies and treatments, Heroin Addiction a brings together the perspectives of policy makers, practitioners and social commentators. The book contributes to a proper understanding of how policy and practice has evolved so that lessons for future policy and practice may be identified.
Volume I of Heroin Addiction focuses on the evolution of the drugs problem in the UK, examining the social and economic consequences from historical and contemporary perspectives. It is a unique source of reference for students, researchers, healthcare professionals and drug agencies both in the UK and overseas.

Now in its seventh edition, Living with Drugs continues to be a well-respected and indispensable reference tool. Michael Gossop has updated this new edition to take account of new laws and practices that have come in to place since the previous edition, published in 2007. Written in an accessible style and providing a balanced perspective, the book is ideal for non-specialists in training, such as student nurses and social workers and for anyone with an interest in this complex, ever-present and emotive issue.