The past 20 years have seen considerable changes in the pattern of drug and alcohol misuse and dependence in the UK. The number of individuals experiencing difficulties with these substances has increased markedly with affluence, changes in social ethos and the availability of both licit and illicit drugs. Following from this, there has been recognition of the importance of treatment in reducing the harms associated with drug and alcohol misuse and dependence.

Day et al have produced a very useful guide to the assessment and treatment of such disorders incorporating both UK and international evidence and guidance. The basis is a series of articles published in Advances in Psychiatric Treatment and most of the significant topics are covered in this book. The information is well presented and easily accessible, with extensive referencing to facilitate further reading if required.

Like all edited books there is variability in quality between chapters, which I think is unavoidable and has been well managed by Day as editor. My only other criticism is that some topics are not covered in great depth such as contingency management (now recommended by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines), criminal justice intervention programmes and emerging substances of misuse such as methamphetamine and GHB. Again, this is perhaps unavoidable in a book of this size.

I would recommend Clinical Topics in Addiction to any clinician who has to deal with such problems; not just for the addiction specialists, but also for other psychiatric specialities and doctors in general practice surgeries.