Psychoactive Drugs & Harm Reduction
Heather, Nick, et al, Eds. Psychoactive Drugs & Harm Reduction: From Faith to Science. London: Whurr Publishers Limited. April 1993, 345 pages.
World Health Organization
Psychoactive Drugs & Harm Reduction is based loosely on the Third International Conference on the Reduction of Drug-Related Harm held in Melbourne, Australia at the end of March, 1992.
"As the HIV/AIDS pandemic accelerates and people around the world search for ways beyond the ineffective and harmful drug war policies of the past, this book arrives to lead the way forward. It has the scope, strength and depth to bring "harm reduction" squarely into the arena of public and professional attention. This book goes far beyond advocacy, to consider the evidence, the experience and the insights - precious lessons learned in the practice of harm reduction. Fine editing, superb organization and diverse perspectives - from government ministers to police and from criminologists to political scientists - are linked with a strong commitment to exploring international experience - North, South, East and West. This is one of those very rare books which has the power to influence the course of history. For all concerned with drugs (licit and illicit), health and society - this is the single book to read now. Read this book, introduce yourself to harm reduction - and the world may just possibly never the same."
-- Jonathan Mann, MD, MPH, Professor of Epidemiology and International Health, Harvard School of Public Health and Founding Director, World Health Organization's Global Program on AIDS.
"This book stands as a milestone in the growth and development of harm reduction. (It) contains contributions from some of the most influential figures in the harm-reduction movement and will establish itself as essential reading for all who are involved in the field."
-- Michael Gossop, PhD, National Addiction Center, London.
"The term 'harm reduction' has become a popular sound bite and has heralded a new social movement in drug policy reform. Yet, until now, no comprehensive document about harm reduction has been available. This book fills this important void...(It) is sure to become a reference work in harm reduction and a necessary resource for those involved in drug prevention, treatment, research and policy."
-- Marsha Rosenbaum, PhD, former Director, Center for Drug Studies Institute for Scientific Analysis, San Francisco.
"With the publication of this volume the harm reduction approach achieves a new maturity. It presents a growing body of data and experience, conceptual models and ethical judgements all of which point the way to new solutions to our massive drug problem."
-- Ernest Drucker, PhD, Director, Division of Community Health and Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/ Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York.
About the Authors
Nick Heather is Professor of Drug and Alcohol Studies and the Director of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Alex Wodak is the Director of the Alcohol and Drug Services, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney.
Pat O'Hare is the Director of the Mersey Drug Training and Information Centre, Liverpool, UK.
