Ray Hodgson

Highly Commended in the Psychiatry category at the 2010 BMA Medical Books Awards! This book serves as a manual for clinicians working with people with alcohol problems. The manual is based on previous research in addiction treatment, including family and social network interventions, as well the authors' own work developing and evaluating Social Behaviour and Network Therapy (SBNT) for example in the United Kingdom Alcohol Treatment Trial (UKATT). Containing a range of ideas the book is guided by a key principle: the development of social support for a positive change in drinking behaviour. Divided into three sections topics include: an introduction to the evidence base underpinning SBNTcore components of the treatmentcommon questions asked about the intervention. Featuring a series of practical handouts, this book will be essential reading for clinicians, counsellors, nurses, psychologists and all those involved in the treatment of alcohol misuse and dependence.

The first paragraph in the Protectors sums up Jack Walker's anxieties: "Am I paranoid or does my mission in life attract enemies? I have concluded that both are true. My bedtime ruminations always focus on a vengeful gunman". Jack Walker begins life as a visually impaired child. He can see just enough to read with a strong magnifying glass. His one main mission as a child and teenager is to stop the bullying of vulnerable children. When attending the Leeds School for the Blind he forms a gang of seven who successfully achieve this aim. Jack's sexual exploits as a young man result in the birth of Jacob, the light of his life. His journey takes him from being a helpless, bullied, blind teenager to the leader of an invincible gang that he calls 'The Magnificent Seven' or 'The Protectors'. En route he develops some very special skills that involve mind over matter. The Protectors have a major task to accomplish which is described towards the end of the book. Jack displays enormous courage. He does rely upon his powerful dog, Merc, as well as his magnificent gang and his special skills.