Drawing on well-respected authors in the field, this textbook is at the cutting edge of current debates about illicit drug use. Comprehensive and straightforward, it examines the major theoretical questions, themes and policy debates. Contains study exercises to highlight important points to students.

MARK SIMPSON is Principal Lecturer in Criminology and Subject Group Leader of Criminology, Sociology and Youth Studies at the University of Teesside, UK. His research has focused around the areas of drug use, youth crime, and drug and criminal careers. TRACY SHILDRICK is Lecturer in Sociology/Youth Studies at the University of Teesside, UK. She has published a number of articles which explore young people, youth culture and illicit drugs. ROBERT MACDONALD is Professor in Sociology at the University of Teesside, UK. He has researched and published extensively around young people, young adults and social and economic change. He is the co-author of Disconnected Youth? - Growing up in Britain's Poor Neighbourhoods.