Abstract

Packed with information, advice and learning activities, this book tells you what you need to know about drugs, young people's drug use, and how you can help them stay safe.

It covers everything from what the effects are and why young people take drugs, to how to negotiate drug rules and ways to prevent and minimise harm. An easy to use section contains factual information about various drugs, covering a description of each drug, street names, a brief history, legal status, availability, extent of use and cost, effects, possible harms, and harm reduction advice. The newest and emerging drugs, such as legal highs, are included, as well as illegal drugs, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.

If you are working with or supporting young people or are a parent or carer, this is the book you need to help you understand drugs and respond positively and effectively to young people's drug use.

Wise and sensible words from a seasoned and reputable author in the field of drug education and the wider issues of young people and drugs. Julian Cohen can always be relied upon to make parents and professionals review their thinking about the entrenched, polarised opinions and enduring mythologies that swirl around this ever emotive and controversial subject.
Harry Shapiro, Director of Communications and Information, DrugScope, UK
All About Drugs and Young People makes crystal clear that modern life is a matter of learning how to use substances successfully, rather than in a damaging way. This book gives you and your children the best preparation and hope for doing so. It shows parents and would-be-helpers that this involves listening, discussing, remaining calm and understanding young people, and not lecturing or demonising them.
Stanton Peele, Ph. D., author of Addiction Proof Your Child, Recover! and many other books about drugs and addiction
I welcome this book as an honest and practical, non-jargonised and highly accessible account of young people's drug use and an invaluable reference for all parents, organisations and individuals who want to make sure that the risks and harms associated with it are avoided.
Vivienne Evans OBE, Chief Executive, Alcohol, Drugs and Families (Adfam), UK
Julian Cohen is a writer, educator, counsellor and consultant who has specialised in drug and sex education work with children, young people, parents, carers and professionals for nearly 30 years. He has written extensively on drugs and young people, ranging from teaching and training packages to educational games, pamphlets and books for young people, parents and professionals. His website is www.juliancohen.org.uk.
I have worked with and learned from Julian Cohen for more than 25 years. All About Drugs and Young People is the fruit of Julian's long experience of working directly with young people and with professionals and parents. His approach is honest, non-judgemental, pragmatic and practical. This book should be essential reading for all parents and for anyone who cares for, or works with, young people.
Pat O'Hare, Director, HIT, UK
This book is a must-read for parents and the range of professionals who work with young people. It combines an up-to-the-minute understanding of the legal and illegal drugs young people encounter today with Julian Cohen's unique ability to provide practical and sensible advice that doesn't preach. I can recommend it highly to anyone who wants to make a positive difference to the lives of young people and contribute to their health and well-being.
Judith Aldridge, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Manchester, UK and author of Illegal Leisure Revisited: Changing patterns of alcohol and drug use in adolescents and young adults