Drug & substance abuse: social aspects

Drawing on the author’s participation in high-level policy discussions, this book presents three key issues in UK illicit drug policy – medical cannabis, drug-related deaths and the government’s 10-year drug strategy.

The health and fitness industry has experienced a meteoric rise over the past two decades, yet its slick exterior conceals a darker side. Using ethnographic data from gyms, interviews and social media platforms, this book investigates the growing use of image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs) and their role in masculine body image.

The governance of illegal drug use is often subject to polarized debate, with political preferences seemingly driven by the need to appeal to populist fears. Based upon research with ‘elite’ insiders, David Brewster explores global cannabis policy approaches and offers future directions for policy making and comparative criminology.

This research and practice based book considers the social meaning of women’s alcohol use and its treatment, raising concerns about the political role of ‘treatment’ in making women behave, or to be ‘well’. It challenges current policy and practice in the field, and aims to develop a new approach to women’s drinking.

Informed by historical research and sociological analysis, this book helps readers re-evaluate their understandings of British drinking culture. It is essential readying for students and academics.