It has long been recognised that clients with addiction problems need a skilled and thoughtful response when they come into contact with social services. However, students often find that policy and the law surrounding working with drug, alcohol and substance misusers can be complex and often unclear.This fully-revised third edition will help students cultivate the skills required to work effectively with clients and service users who misuse drugs and alcohol. There are clear introductions to the law and to social policy in this area, while the author considers how a holistic approach can be effective when working with this particular client group. Case studies and reflective exercises are used to draw out these key skills. The book also features sections on anti-oppressive practice with a focus on service user empowerment.With this third edition comes new material on social work practice with alcohol misusers, making this book even more essential reading for students and practitioners who want to engage with clients who struggle with addiction.

IntroductionThe links between social work practice and working with substance-misusing clientsThe nature and extent of drug taking in the United KingdomThe history, legislative changes and key policy documents involved in the field of substance misuseWhat is known about drug misusers and drug offenders and the drugs commonly used?Policy changes and substance misuseDevelopments since the change to a coalition government and the problems of alcoholProfessional practice issues and approachesConclusion