'This book has been a pleasure to read and is one of the most concise substance use/addiction text books I have read in some time. It is a comprehensive snap shot of the fast changing context of addiction and substance use. The style is fresh and lucid and deals with the contemporary issues practitioners face within the community. This book is a must read for all health and social care students contemplating working in the field of addiction and substance use.' - Darren Hill, Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Substance Use, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK

Understanding addiction has never been more important, as many professionals, from counsellors and nurses, to social workers and health psychologists, encounter addictive behaviour on a daily basis. Looking at addiction in all of its forms, this multi-disciplinary book provides a comprehensive introduction to the substances and the activities which can lead to excessive and addictive behaviour. It discusses pharmacological addictions, including both legal and illegal substances. It also covers non-pharmacological dependencies (such as internet addiction, eating disorders, gambling and sexual addiction) which, despite their prevalence, are often absent from the literature on addiction. Drawing on the field's broad evidence base, the book features: - Coverage of eleven types of addictive substances and activities, outlining signs, symptoms, adverse consequences and assessment and intervention strategies for each - A range of engaging reflective activities and case studies to link theoretical discussion directly to practice - Analysis of the broader context of addiction, including dual diagnosis and harm reduction, and issues relating to diversity and service provision Offering a rigorous introduction to the full spectrum of addictive behaviour, this book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the nature of addiction for contemporary practice.