The Hot Topics in Public Health series Hot Topics in Public Health consists of a series of small pocketbooks, focussing on the key public health issues identified by the UK government priorities. The books will be of use to a wide audience of students and practitioners, in the Nursing and Allied Health areas, as all students in these areas do modules on Public Health and Health Promotion, as well as those doing a diploma or degree in PH&HP. Students will find the books useful to cover assignments and on the ward, and practitioners will love the quick-reference format for use on the ward and in giving patient advice and running clinics on these topics. There will be a title providing essential information on the priority areas of: - Obesity - Smoking - Alcohol misuse - Sexual health - Mental health - Diabetes - Non-communicable diseases - Exercise - Drug misuse - Health inequalities - Boxes - Thinking points - will be of interest to practitioners - Key debates - Case studies - Current strategies - Gov. targets - Further Reading - Useful web links.

Ken Barrie has over thirty years' experience in the field of alcohol and drug issues working in the practical setting (within specialist and non-specialist addiction services) as well as the higher education and research environment.

Ken has acted in a consultant and expert capacity to the courts, media, government and professional bodies (Scottish Inter-Collegiate Guidelines Network, SIGN) on matters concerning alcohol/drugs and the effectiveness of policy and interventions in reducing associated harm. In collaboration with colleagues, he has also developed and run international conferences on addiction, hosted by the UWS and, on occasion, in partnership with the Association of Nurses in Substance Abuse.

The problems of alcohol/drug use fascinates Ken, both from a practical as well as research point-of-view. Overall, he is interested in improving the lot of people with drug and alcohol related problems. This interest ranges from improved interventions and services for sufferers of addiction as well as effective social and health policy, which may prevent or reduce harm, but also minimise the stigma which individuals may endure.

The Hot Topics in Public Health series

Hot Topics in Public Health consists of a series of small pocketbooks, focussing on the key public health issues identified by the UK government priorities. The books will be of use to a wide audience of students and practitioners, in the Nursing and Allied Health areas, as all students in these areas do modules on Public Health and Health Promotion, as well as those doing a diploma or degree in PH&HP.

Students will find the books useful to cover assignments and on the ward, and practitioners will love the quick-reference format for use on the ward and in giving patient advice and running clinics on these topics.

There will be a title providing essential information on the priority areas of:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol misuse

• Sexual health
• Mental health

• Diabetes
• Non-communicable diseases
• Exercise
• Drug misuse
• Health inequalities

• Boxes
• Thinking points - will be of interest to practitioners
• Key debates
• Case studies
• Current strategies - Gov. targets
• Further Reading
• Useful web links.

Each volume provides an objective and balanced introduction to an overview of the epidemiological, scientific, and other factors relating to public health. The Mini-Guides are structured to provide easy access to information. The first chapters cover background information needed to quickly understand the issue, including the epidemiology, demography and physiology. The later chapters examine examples of public health action to address the issue, covering health promotion intervention, legislative and other measures. The Mini-Guides are designed to be essential reference texts for students, practitioners and researchers with a professional interest in public health and health promotion.

Students will find the books useful to cover assignments and on the ward, and practitioners will love the quick-reference format for use on the ward and in giving patient advice and running clinics on these topics.

There will be a title providing essential information on the priority areas of:

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol misuse

• Sexual health
• Mental health

• Diabetes
• Non-communicable diseases
• Exercise
• Drug misuse
• Health inequalities

1. Alcohol consumption

2. The health and legal consequences of problem drinking

3. Dependent drinkers and recovery

4. Family and workplace

5. Public health interventions

6. Alcohol brief interventions (ABIs)