Written by an experienced academic author, lecturer and practitioner, this comprehensive textbook provides an introduction to alcohol and drug misuse. It presents: the context of alcohol and drug misuse, and the nature and theories of addiction, including a historical overview and policy initiatives in contemporary society 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 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 a framework for assessment, care planning, harm reduction approaches, dealing with overdose, intoxication and withdrawals, and psychological and pharmacological interventions an accessible and skills-oriented approach to assist students and practitioners in dealing with alcohol and drug misuse. This new edition is fully updated and includes new material on: evidence-based pharmacological interventions; recent global strategies in alcohol and drug; dual diagnosis and women; shisha smoking; and current statistics on prevalence of alcohol and drug misuse Alcohol and Drug Misuse takes into account current policy and practice for substance use and misuse and includes a range of pedagogical features to enhance learning. It is essential reading for nursing, health and social work students taking substance misuse modules, as well as related CPD courses for health and social care professionals.