Product Description

This is an unbiased, factual - but certainly not dull - reference book of recreational drugs. Covering everything from ecstacy and marijuana to alcohol and caffeine, this fascinating book provides an expanse of information on the types of recreational drugs that are in existence today. Neither glorifying nor condemning drugs, Drugs: A Directory includes every significant recreational substance available over, or under, the counter today. Separated into clearly identified chapters, each section will cover the types of substances classed within certain descriptive groups to provide a clear and comprehensive reference work for those wishing to learn more. Each entry includes a physical description, discussion of origin, method of using, street name, chemical name, method of use, affect, the likely effects of the drug on the body, brain, and emotions, health risks, physical dependency, psychological dependency, and international law. The listing is set within the context of drug taking, examing the myths about drug use.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #761365 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 360 pages

From the Author
In response to the reviewer who was disappointed that this was too US-focused - that was the writing brief. I was asked to write for a US audience - only later did it emerge that the book would also be published in the UK.

About the Author
Harry Shapiro works for Drugscope, an agency providing educational services to professionals and is editor of Druglink, a magazine attached to the agency. He has worked in the drugs field for over twenty years and is the author of a number of titles, including Shooting Stars: Drugs, Hollywood and the Movies and Waiting for the Man, his history of drugs and music, "one of the twenty best music books of all time."

Customer Reviews

A little disappointing
I heard about this book from a colleague of mine, and having read books by Harry Shapiro (editor of Druglink magazine) before, I felt this was going to be a sure winner. I was hoping that this was going to be the new drug worker/counsellor's bible to replace "Street Drugs" by Andrew Tyler. Sadly, I was wrong. The main problem for me, is that it has tried to appeal to both the USA and the UK readers, and failed. The Atlantic is a big divide, not just geographically, but culturally too, and this can be seen by the drugs mentioned (including slang) and the drug laws (PCP for instance). Personally, I feel it would of been better to have targeted one audience only.

That said, it did have some great pictures in it, and it is a good up-to-date introduction to drugs and drug use, which is where Andrew Tyler's Street Drugs is may be starting to show its age.

Should be required reading in 'Social Ed.' classes...
This well written, matter-of-fact guide to the plethora of recreational substances used by our species over the ages to augment our experience of the world around us is both a useful reference book for people wishing to know more about the effects/culture/potential dangers/legal status of particular substances and a provocative coffee-table occupier when the in-laws are over.

Divided into sections such as hallucinogenics, narcotic analgesics and anti-depressants, the book covers everything from caffeine to DMT to methamphetamine and elucidates the meanings of street names such as 'Abyssinian Tea', 'Hillbilly heroin' and 'Businessman's lunch'.

A refeshingly objective read.