I have received word of my placement today, I'm going to be at a voluntary organisation who offer information/advice and drugs treatment.  I know very little about this area and would like to have a read before my placement starts.

There's a drug addiction for dummies book (which is my type of level on this subject) but it's written toward the user as a self help book.  I'm hoping for something a little more practioner based.

 Any recommendations?

Hi i can recommend web sites such as Drugscope, WDP, CRI, NTA (which has info on local services around the country) it will also be worth knowing differant ways of administering drugs i.e whether injected, smoked or consumed orally, it may also be useful to find out which effect differant drugs have on the body/mind some of the web sites above should shed some light on that.

As for books the only book I ever read was a book called Street Drugs by Martin Tyler (i think thats the author's name) if I think of any otther info I will let you.

Thanks Rag1

 This is a particularly useful website

http://wiredinitiative.com/index.htm

 this book is excellent

 http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=3ShJAZUCuXEC&pg=PR7&lpg=PR7&dq=andrew+macbride+substance+misuser+trudy&source=web&ots=Nogr5paCFS&sig=045NAc_VONbGvfifj1V3JLFeN9o&hl=e&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result

 http://www.exchangesupplies.org/

 this site proide what might be a startling insight into using harm reduction materials and techniques.

 It would help if you gave some more context on the nature of the agency / your placement

social work with  drug and substance misusers by Anthony Goodman is a good beginners text. the website assertive-engagement is good as well i think it would be helpful also to have a basic knowledge of dual diagnosis so the book below is excellent.

Baker, A. and Velleman, R. (eds.) Clinical Handbook of Co-Existing Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Problems  Hove Routledge

RAG1 - am at the university library as we speak and have found Street Drugs by Andrew Tyler!  Many thanks.  Will have a look at the websites now.

 eastend11 - I know very little about the placement, I just got a phone call to say they wanted me and to confirm my start date.  Looking at their website they are a voluntary agency who offer talking therapies along with a range of creative arts therapies, along with treatment (there's a doctor and a nurse based there) and a club house style drop in centre.  Will look in the library catalogue for your recommendation. 

lizzer - Will look at the website now and scour the university library for that book! 

Thank you all for your help.  Am dead nervous about it and don't want to waste my summer, so will try and do as much reading as possible.