Drug Users in Society [Hardcover]

This book provides a candid insight into the lives of individuals who are addicted to heroin and other opiates. The processes of obtaining and using drugs are explored within the wider context of personal biographies and daily routines. Key issues considered include childhood experiences, crime and violence, housing situations, family relationships, prison life, health matters and drug treatments. Drug users' statements are related to policy, service provision, previous research, and theoretical debates in the hope that this might increase understanding and improve future responses to drug problems.List of Tables Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Opiate Use in Context Explanations of Drug Use Initial Drug Use and Childhood Memories Patterns of Heroin Use Daily Routines and Sources of Income Drug Use, Violence and Anti-Social Behaviour Neighbourhoods and Housing Family and Friends Police Contact and Being Imprisoned Drug Use and Health Drug Services and Treatment Experience into Theory and Practice Appendices References IndexJOANNE NEALE is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Drug Misuse Research at Glasgow University. Her publications include refereed journal articles, book chapters and short articles relating to both homelessness and drug use.