Introduction
Drugs
is Volume 301 in the
ISSUES
series. The aim of
the series is to offer current, diverse information about
important issues in our world, from a UK perspective.
ABOUT DRUGS
According to statistics, one in 12 adults aged 16 to 59
have taken illicit drugs in the last year. This is equal to
2.8 million people. However, sources claim that trends
among young people show a decline in risky behaviours.
This book explores the different types and effects of
illegal drugs. It also looks at the dangers of legal highs,
current statistics and steroid use. The second chapter
examines UK drugs laws, and the third chapter goes
further still to look at what it really means to have an
addiction and how to get help.
OUR SOURCES
Titles in the
ISSUES
series are designed to function
as educational resource books, providing a balanced
overview of a specific subject.
The information in our books is comprised of facts,
articles and opinions from many different sources,
including:
Ö
Ö
Newspaper reports and opinion pieces
Ö
Ö
Website factsheets
Ö
Ö
Magazine and journal articles
Ö
Ö
Statistics and surveys
Ö
Ö
Government reports
Ö
Ö
Literature from special interest groups.
A NOTE ON CRITICAL EVALUATION
Because the information reprinted here is from a number
of different sources, readers should bear in mind the
origin of the text and whether the source is likely to have
a particular bias when presenting information (or when
conducting their research). It is hoped that, as you
read about the many aspects of the issues explored
in this book, you will critically evaluate the information
presented.
It is important that you decide whether you are being
presented with facts or opinions. Does the writer give
a biased or unbiased report? If an opinion is being
expressed, do you agree with the writer? Is there
potential bias to the ‘facts’ or statistics behind an
article?
ASSIGNMENTS
In the back of this book, you will find a selection of
assignments designed to help you engage with the
articles you have been reading and to explore your own
opinions. Some tasks will take longer than others and
there is a mixture of design, writing and research-based
activities that you can complete alone or in a group.
FURTHER RESEARCH
At the end of each article we have listed its source and
a website that you can visit if you would like to conduct
your own research. Please remember to critically
evaluate any sources that you consult and consider
whether the information you are viewing is accurate and
unbiased.
Useful weblinks
young.scot
