<P>Written by an experienced academic author, lecturer and practitioner, this comprehensive textbook provides an introduction to alcohol and drug misuse. It presents:</P><UL><P><LI>the context of alcohol and drug misuse, and the nature and theories of addiction, including a historical overview and policy initiatives in contemporary society </LI><P></P><P><LI>an overview of the problems associated with psychoactive substances and their impact on groups such as culturally and linguistically diverse communities, young people, women, older people and the homeless</LI><P></P><P><LI>an understanding of the generic role responses to substance misuse in a variety of different settings and contexts, including primary care, the community and hospitals </LI><P></P><P><LI>a framework for assessment, care planning, harm reduction approaches, dealing with overdose, intoxication and withdrawals, and psychological and pharmacological interventions</LI><P></P><P><LI>an accessible and skills-oriented ap