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.

'Drugs in Britain is a useful and accessible introduction to an important policy area, and one that does exactly what it says on the tin.' - David Bowes, Thames View (Thames Valley Police) 'This book, specifically aimed at an undergraduate audience, attempts to discuss some of the contradictions and controversies surrounding illegal drug use in Britain. Each chapter contains advice on further readings and there are study questions which students and practitioners may find useful. Most of the chapters are individually fascinating...' - Richard H. Kimberlee, Youth & Policy ...good introductory reading for researchers new to the field, and...also of use to policy makers in the drug, social justice and health fields." Edwin van Teijlingen, University of Aberdeen

• 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.