Drug Nation. Patterns, Problems, Panics & Policies

ABOUT THIS BOOK

• Offers a balanced, lucid, and authoritative account of drugs and drug taking
• Dispels some of the many myths about drugs, especially those so frequently peddled by the popular press
• Written by experts with years of experience dealing with the realities of drug taking, resulting in a book based on fact

Humans have been using psychoactive (mind-altering) drugs since ancient times. Barely a day goes by without a drug related issue reaching the headlines, and drugs, in some way or other, affect all of our lives, whether by our own use, the use of those we know, or even from just being a victim of drug related crime.

This book provides an accessible and lucid introduction to some of the main health and social issues related to illicit drugs and their use. It reviews a range of popular drugs - including amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, Ecstasy (MDMA), heroin and LSD whilst considering the law related to such substances. Written in an accessible and approachable style, the book dispels some of the many myths about drug use that exist, offering an authoritative and balanced perspective on issues of personal, local, national and international importance.

Drug Nation will be essential reading for anyone who wants to be informed about the drug situation, offering a sensible and non-sensational account of drugs and drug taking.

Readership: Anyone with an interest in drugs and drug taking, including, psychologists, counsellors, those in working in public health

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Martin Plant, Professor of Addiction Studies in the Alcohol & Health Research Unit in the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK, Roy Robertson, Honorary Clinical Reader in the Division of Community Health Sciences in the University of Edinburgh, UK, Moira Plant, Alcohol and Health Reseach Univer, University of the West of England, UK, and Patrick Miller, Visiting Senior Research Fellow in the Alcohol & Health Research Unit in the University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1: Drugs in Britain: The History
2: Drugs in Perspective
3: Drugs: Patterns of Use
4: The Consequences of Drug Use: the good, the bad and the ugly
5: Drug Control Policies: A Question of Balance
6: The Law and the Criminal Justice System
7: Is Drug Education Any Use?
8: Drug Classification and Drug Policy: Can these ever be Evidence-Based?
9: Therapeutic Options
10: Future Directions?