DrugScope is pleased to announce the publication of The Essential Guide to Working with Young People about Drugs and Alcohol, edited by Jenny McWhirter and Hajra Mir. The new Guide is being launched on Thursday 2 October at the offices of the BRIT Trust, the charitable arm of the British Phonographic Industry, which has supported the book's development.
The Guide is aimed at a broad range of professionals who work with young people who are misusing drugs and alcohol or who are at risk of doing so, including teachers, youth workers, drug treatment workers, Youth Offending Teams and Connexions personal advisors. In eleven easy-to-digest chapters, the book's contributors, all practitioners themselves, provide practical advice and information and explain the latest government policies and strategies around young people's substance misuse. Topics covered include working with families, delivering drug education, the criminal justice system, the role of youth support services and evaluation methods. Case studies and hypothetical dilemmas make policy and guidance accessible, while check points prompt readers to check information or practice at local level.
Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, said:
"With the Government's new drug strategy, DrugScope's guide is timely and will be of enormous help to those working with young people on substance misuse issues, specialists and non-specialists alike. Although overall illegal drug use among young people has fallen we cannot be complacent. Our members are increasingly concerned about young people's alcohol misuse and some young people are putting themselves at greater risk of harm by using a number of drugs such as alcohol, ecstasy and cannabis.
"We are extremely grateful to both the BRIT Trust and the Department for Children, Schools and Families for supporting this guide."
The Essential Guide to Working with Young People about Drugs and Alcohol, edited by Jenny McWhirter and Hajra Mir and published by DrugScope, is available from distributor HIT at £14.95. DrugScope Members can purchase the book at a discounted rate of £13.45.
For more information please contact the DrugScope Press Office at press@drugscope.org.uk , on 020 7520 7563 or 020 7520 7559 (or 07736 895563 out of hours).
