Substance Abuse in America: A Documentary and Reference Guide

(Hardback)

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Description

This book provides a comprehensive overview of drug policy in the United States from the early 1900s through the present day, providing historical and social context through the telling of the colorful and often tragic stories of the events and individuals throughout this period. Substance Abuse in America: A Documentary and Reference Guide examines the history of U.S. drug policy chronologically, from the early 1900s through the current day, covering topics such as patent medicines, Prohibition, Reefer Madness, the psychedelic '60s, Nixon's War on Drugs, and the powerful warring Mexican drug cartels that currently threaten political instability in that country. This book provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. drug policy that will fascinate general readers and benefit those in the field of substance abuse treatment or policy. Each chapter includes an analysis of a primary source document that serves to illuminate drug policy in America at a particular point in time as well as the reasons for the waxing and waning popularity of various drugs. The author provides accurate historical context that explains perceptions about substance abuse in American history, and draws compelling parallels across different time periods to show that much of what may seem new and unique for the present generation actually has a historical precedent.

Reviews

Rarely is a book as useful for advanced researchers as for undergraduates, but Substance Abuse in America is such a book. . . . The well-written introduction concisely summarizes early laws; Prohibition; the role of the nation's first drug czar, Harry Anslinger; the beginnings of the misuse of prescription drugs; and current problems. . . . Highly recommended. * Choice *
This volume will appeal to a wide range of users, both those searching for historical documents on U.S. substance abuse as well as the more popular and controversial topics today of America's current drug policies and was on drugs. Undergraduates or those interested in an overview of the history of this ongoing debate may find this compilation useful. * ARBA *
Read cover-to-cover, this presents a panoramic view of America's response to drugs and drug addiction. * Booklist *

Author Bio

James A. Swartz, PhD, is associate professor in the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois.