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.

• Introduction; T.Shildrick, M.Simpson & R.MacDonaldTrends in the Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use in Britain; R.Newcombe'See Emily Play': Youth Culture, Recreational Drug Use and Normalization; S.BlackmanThe Hardest Drug? Trends in Heroin Use in Britain; T.SeddonDrug Markets and Dealing: From Street Dealer to Mr. Big; G.PearsonDrugs and Crime: Exploring the Links; T.McSweeney, M.Hough & P.TurnbullThe Police and Drugs; C.Crowther-DoweyDrugs Education; A.McInnes & A.BarrettDrugs Treatment; C.WebsterDrugs in Britain: Discussion and Conclusions; R.MacDonald, T. Shildrick & M.Simpson.