This book provides a sociological examination of young people s pathways into, and out of, substance abuse. Drawing from in-depth, life-history interviews with over sixty young people who have experienced problematic drug use, the author uses participants narratives to throw light on the relationship between trauma and issues such as homelessness, crime and self-injury.

Contesting the view that substance abuse is either a medical issue or individual failing, the book examines the wide variety of factors which lead to youth substance abuse such as extreme poverty...