Go ahead – we actually want you to copy our work!
All the material on this site which is exclusively © Drug and Alcohol Findings can be freely copied or republished subject only to acknowledgement of origin – we actually want it be used. To make this easier we normally supplement PDFs with background or extended texts in Word format. The Word documents are easier to copy and paste from. If a suitable text is not available contact us (far right link in the navigation bar at the top of this page) and we'll see what we can do. It would be good also to hear about the use you have been able to make of our work.
TYPES OF DOCUMENTS ON THIS SITE
Most documents on this site are either extracted from back issues of the Drug and Alcohol Findings magazine which ceased publication in 2006 or are new web-only entries issued as bulletins to keep readers up to date with the latest research. From late 2008 we also began abstracting particularly relevant soource research documents. Regardless of their origins, each document or abstract is separately indexed and included in subject-based and free text search results.
Findings back issues
Most of the documents on this site were first published between 1999 and 2006 in the past 15 issues of the Drug and Alcohol Findings magazine. No attempt has been made to update the content except for the links in the PDF files. They all relate to evaluations of interventions intended to reduce the use of alcohol or other drugs or to reduce harm related to that use. Documents are being uploaded an issue at a time.
In addition to the published versions available directly from this site, normally each document has a background or extended text file. You can access these in PDF or Word format from a button on the opening page of the published version. These are uncut drafts of the published versions presented simply and in a format which may be easier for small displays. They may also be more suitable for printing and the Word versions are easier to cut and paste from. Often they offer considerable extra information and references which support the published version. However, they may not incorporate late revisions and corrections so should be checked against the published version.
The published documents are generally presented in the following formats:
NUGGETS In highly condensed form each analyses new evaluation studies selected from the world literature for their relevance to the UK and their methodological rigour. Entries were drafted after consulting study authors, related research, and Findings' advisers or other experts. Many were distilled from an extended review which is also made available. As well as presenting the most practice-relevant findings, the entries set these in the context of related research and explore possible implications for practice in the UK.
NUGGETTES are mini-Nuggets serving a similar purpose.
Each of the above has typically been condensed to a few hundred words. In addition we feature longer articles of the following kinds:
KEY STUDY Extended analysis of an especially important study.
THEMATIC REVIEW Comprehensive reviews of research on a priority topic.
OLD GOLD Influential studies from the past with messages for today.
IN PRACTICE The practical challenges of evaluation research and improving performance.
NASTY SURPRISES Unexpected findings that jolt us into recognising something may be seriously wrong with our assumptions.
Web-based bulletins on latest research
Similar content is now published on the web only in the form of bulletins updating readers on the latest research in much the same way and using similar editorial procedures as previously employed for the magazine. Readers can sign up HERE to receive alerts of the new bulletins as well as information on other site updates including uploads of Findings magazine back issues.
Source research documents, reviews and evidence-based guidance
Abstracts of research articles, reviews of research or guidance based on research which Drug and Alcohol Findings has selected as particularly relevant to improving outcomes from drug or alcohol interventions in the United Kingdom. In searches these entries are tagged as Abstracts. Since the original documents were not published by Drug and Alcohol Findings, unless permission has been granted, we are unable to supply full text. However copies are normally available from the publisher or other document suppliers. Where possible links are provided to these sources. It is also common for authors to permitted to send paper or PDF reprints or their original manuscripts to enquirers for personal study. Where possible we provide a link which prepares a message in your e-mail program to be sent to the author asking for a reprint. You can of course adapt this to suit your requirements. The abstract we publish is normally based on the source document's own abstract. Below it are brief comments from Drug and Alcohol Findings.
Read about the topics covered in these documents
