This textbook is aimed at those with an interest in contemporary social problems of the UK, such as crime, substance misuse and suicide to name a few. It adopts a style of writing which engages and stimulates the reader. The book provides factual information and a socio-demographic analysis of each social problem, drawing upon official statistics. Besides examining the scale and nature of the problem, it traces the effects of each upon individuals, families and the larger society. All chapters provide an overview of policy and legislation that aim to deal with these problems. It explores important theoretical frameworks that have been used to understand social problems and it seeks to locate ideas and debates within a bio-psychosocial framework. Finally, it familiarises readers with strategies of micro intervention used in practice to deal with these problems. Hence this book would be of interest to students, academics and practitioners alike.