Research and Community Development Projects
Professor Edwards combined a career of developing research and knowledge on aspects of alcohol and drug problems with the promotion of community based actions. He supported the development of a broad structered response to alcohol and other drug problems, including appropriate and high quality medical and psychiatric services for such problems. Professor Edwards conducted research and supported the development of new approaches to those who are homeless and also people in prison with alcohol problems. He was instrumental in supporting the establishment of the first Therapeutic Community for treatment of Drug Dependence, Phoenix House. In addition he supported the development of community drug agencies in the late sixties and was involved in the early work piloting community based services for alcohol problems. Along with Lady Parkinson he supported the founding of the Charity Action on Addiction that has worked to support the development of research and service innovation in Addictions. Through his interest in developing country issues and links with the World Health Organisation he strongly supported and encouraged projects to assist research and service development in resource poor settings.
Professor Edwards academic work involved research in tobacco, alcohol and other drugs and has supported a training, research, treatment and policy approach that combines all substances that are addictive into a coherent theoretical framework. He has promoted an approach that combines the basic sciences of addiction, to the more applied and social sciences and sought to promote an evidenced based policy approach that is fully scientifically informed.
The book Alcohol Policy and the Public Good, was developed by a team of international experts and is the reference text on a balanced approach to international and national alcohol policy. He supported a similar balanced approach to other addictive substances and promotes the importance of an independent minded, scientifically robust and public health informed approach to future policy development.
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