'Overall, the content, the approach, and the level of this book are good. It is relevant to both undergraduate and postgraduate study in a range of disciplines, including public health, nursing, medicine, and social sciences. I use it as a set text in a postgraduate topic. At $A44.95 (paperback), it is good value. I think the authors have succeeded in pitching it for a general audience as well as an academic audience, so it also has a place in public libraries.'

From review published in Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2003 Vol. 27, No. 3, by Melissa Raven, Department of Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia.

'This book provides a comprehensive overview of drug-related issues, from why people use drugs through to various approaches to reducing harm. It is ideally suited to students of alcohol and other drug studies and other health behaviour topics. . . I highly recommend this book to tertiary students learning about human behaviour, from generalist psychology and social work courses through to specialist alcohol and other drug students. The sub-title, 'a delicate balance' is fitting because the book illustrates the need for just such an approach through its even-handed overview of fundamental aspects of and approaches to drug-related harm.'

From review published in Drug and Alcohol Review (2003) 22 (2), by Amanda Baker, Centre for Mental Health Studies, University of Newcastle, Australia.

'. . .a first-rate effort. . .interesting, well-written and informative. . .This book is intended as an aid for those taking courses in Australia and it achieves this well.'

From review published in Addiction, Vol 97, Issue 7, July, 2002, by Reginald G Smart, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.