Authors: Tim Lang and Geof Rayner

The authors of this article outline five models and traditions, and argue that public health thinking requires an overhaul, and that ecological public health — which integrates the material, biological, social, and cultural aspects of public health — is the way forward for the 21st century.

Authors: Roger E Thomas, Julie McLellan and Rafael Perera

The primary aim of this review was to determine whether school smoking interventions prevent youth from starting smoking and also which interventions were most effective. This included evaluating the effects of theoretical approaches; additional booster sessions; programme deliverers; gender effects; and multifocal interventions versus those focused solely on smoking.

Authors: Emmanuel Kuntsche, Ingeborg Rossow, Bruce Simons-Morton, Tom Ter Bogt, Anna Kokkevi, and Emmanuelle Godeau.

Many studies have reported that the earlier the age at first drink (AFDrink) the higher the later drinking levels and related problems. However, unless adolescents proceed into drunkenness, it is unclear why consuming small quantities at early age should lead to later problems. This study investigates the link between AFDrink and problem behaviors (smoking, cannabis use, injuries, fights, and low academic performance) among 15-year-olds who did and did not proceed into drunkenness. Among those with drunkenness experience, the study tested whether AFDrink predicted problem behaviors over and above the age at first drunkenness (AFDrunk).

Authors: Susanne Uusitalo (University of Turku), Mikko Salmela (University of Helsinki) and Janne Nikkinen (University of Helsinki)

Susanne Uusitalo, Mikko Salmela and Janne Nikkinen provide a philosophical critique of the disease concept addiction and its influential rival, the rational choice model. Instead they propose what they call an ‘affective choice model’ as an alternative to both.

Authors: EMCDDA and EUROPOL

The EU drug markets report is the first comprehensive overview of illicit drug markets in the European Union. It covers issues such as production, consumer markets, trafficking, organised crime and policy responses, along with a review of the markets for heroin, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and new psychoactive substances. It concludes with concrete action points for the areas where the current EU response to the drug market and its consequent harms may be improved.

An essential reference tool for law enforcement professionals, policymakers, the academic community and the general public, the report combines Europol’s strategic and operational understanding of trends and developments in organised crime with the EMCDDA’s ongoing monitoring and analysis of the drug phenomenon in Europe and beyond.