From Book News, Inc.
Rational discussion of drug use is nearly impossible in the United States and "the result is a general level of ignorance that does not diminish use but does increase harm," according to Gahlinger (medicine, U. of Utah). In this work he both presents an overview of drug issues and individually examines the use and effects of 178 drugs that are illegal in the United States. His overview includes a history of drug use from the Neanderthals to the present, looks at the increasing prohibition of drugs in the U.S. over the course of the 20th century, discusses drug and employment issues, and examines the basic biology of drug use. Entries on individual drugs typically describe how their history, how they are made, their psychoactive and health effects, and recommendations in case of overdose.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


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a ton of information ... for anyone who wants the facts, I’d say this is the one book to find them.


Book Description
This detailed reference covers every aspect of illegal substance use and all 178 drugs outlawed in the United States. From medieval witchcraft to the latest club drugs, a complete overview of illegal drugs is provided, including the role of drugs in the workplace, the psychology of addiction, the war on drugs, and the biological effect of drugs on the brain. Each drug listing discusses its history, users, chemical characteristics, long-term health problems, and overdose information. A wealth of details on this controversial subject will prove informative to students, parents, and health-care professionals alike.


About the Author
Paul M. Gahlinger, M.D., Ph.D., is adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Utah and is a certified substance abuse medical review officer. He is a consultant for NASA and is the author of The Cockpit and Computer Programs for Epidemiologists. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This detailed reference covers every aspect of illegal substance use and all 178 drugs outlawed in the United States. From medieval witchcraft to the latest club drugs, a complete overview of illegal drugs is provided, including the role of drugs in the workplace, the psychology of addiction, the war on drugs, and the biological effect of drugs on the brain. Each drug listing discusses its history, users, chemical characteristics, long-term health problems, and overdose information. A wealth of details on this controversial subject will prove informative to students, parents, and health-care professionals alike.

Author Biography: Paul M. Gahlinger, M.D., Ph.D., is adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Utah and is a certified substance abuse medical review officer. He is a consultant for NASA and is the author of The Cockpit and Computer Programs for Epidemiologists. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

FROM THE CRITICS

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