Resources: Review - A basic approach to understanding drug issues

The book is well written, contains good handouts, and its layout is both user- and young people-friendly. All of the activities are photocopiable, which is always a bonus where budgets are concerned, especially as the cover price of 35 is expensive compared with other resource packs that are available at the moment.

Both the authors are experienced drugs educators and this is apparent in their style, which aims to encourage young people to reflect on their own personal values around substance misuse, provide clear information and build their social skills to enable them to make healthy choices.

The book, which comprises quizzes, case studies and group activities, is divided into 18 exercises including drug slang and street names, the social consequences of drug misuse, legal implications, the role of peers in decision-making and the effects of drugs on health. This structure makes it easy for workers to pick out relevant sections and plan interactive drug-awareness sessions.