What Determines Harm from Addictive Substances and Behaviours?
Governance of Addictive Substances and Behaviours Series

The multifaceted nature of harmful substance use and gambling requires interdisciplinary analysis to assess the underlying causes. What Determines Harm from Addictive Substances and Behaviours? draws together evidence from twelve disciplines including anthropology, genetics, neurobiology, and public policy. Using a developmental approach, the book presents evidence on the factors that influence the development of harmful substance use and gambling. The determinants of harm operate at three levels: molecular, individual, and social. This book brings to light the complex interplay between them and presents the scientific, social, economic, political, and psychological influences of harmful substance use and gambling. These individual determinants are then synthesised into an integrative heuristic model to encourage new ways of thinking. The findings from this analysis are used to elaborate key general implications for health and broader social policy, clinical practice, and future research. What Determines Harm from Addictive Substances and Behaviours? is based on research from ALICE RAP, a multidisciplinary European study of addictive substances and behaviours in contemporary society. This is an essential resource for public health professionals, stakeholders influencing policy for addictive substances and behaviours, students, and academics looking to better understand the factors influencing substance use and gambling and the implications this research has for addiction prevention policy.

Dr Lucy Gell is a public health specialist with a particular interest in alcohol and other substance misuse. Between 2009 and 2015 she engaged in a range of behaviour change and policy development and appraisal projects at the University of Sheffield, first as a PhD student and then a Research Associate within the Sheffield Alcohol Research Group. From 2013 to 2015 she worked with Jane McLeod and the ALICE RAP team to develop the interdisciplinary synthesis for the ALICE RAP project. Dr Gell is currently a Registrar in Public Health Medicine. Gerhard Bühringer is Professor of Addiction Research at the Technische Universität in Dresden and Chairman of the IFT Institut für Therapieforschung in Munich. His main topics of research are: aetiology and course of substance use disorders and pathological gambling, including vulnerability and risk factors; treatment service system analysis. Special interests include the interaction of individual, social and cultural factors for the onset, course and cessation of substance use and gambling (disorders). Professor Bühringer is a member of scientific advisory boards and management boards of German and international associations in the field of addiction research; a member of editorial boards of German and international scientific journals; Editor-in-Chief of SUCHT; Assistant Editor of ADDICTION; Chair of the Scientific Committee of the European Monitoring Centre of Drugs and Drug Addiction; and President of the International Confederation of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Research Associations. Dr Jane McLeod is a molecular biologist with previous research experience in bone biology, genetic toxicology and monoclonal antibody production. From 2011 to 2014 Jane worked as a science writer on the ALICE RAP project, based at the University of Sheffield. In this role she worked with discipline experts and the project leaders to develop the interdisciplinary synthesis. Dr McLeod is currently a Scientific Writer for Avacta Life Scien