This fully updated edition of a successful resource succeeds in engaging and involving young people where many other methods of drugs education - including attempts to shock, inform, or promote decision-making - have failed to make a lasting impact. This is largely because they don't utilize young people's own views, intelligence and insight.

The range of 30 original exercises in this resource is designed to expand and challenge participants' understanding of the issues surrounding illegal drug use, with activities that will enable them to make active and informed personal judgements about drugs.

Understanding Drug Issues features informative and balanced material on all the key issues involved, including:

* the facts and fiction about drugs

* peer pressure

* the social consequences of drug use

* buying drugs

* the dangers involved in using

* the pros and cons of drug use

* legal implications

* the effects of drugs on health.

The activities are ideal for use in groups and feature all the latest developments surrounding the use and abuse of drugs, as well as useful contact details for those wanting further help. The material is photocopiable and designed to be used flexibly - for example as worksheets or overhead projections.

Understanding Drug Issues is an essential resource that will be valued by teachers, youth workers, probation officers, those working with offenders, and any professionals working with young people.

This workbook can be used on its own, or ideally in combination with its companion volume Understanding Drugs: A Handbook for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals, a complete reference on drugs issues (second edition forthcoming, September 2005).