Drug Use

A balanced and straightforward survey of the key issues facts and controversies surrounding the use and abuse of harmful drugs in the United States and abroad.Drug Use: A Reference Handbook presents a vast collection of facts and information about the major issues that drive the world''s never-ending drug problem. An examination of five substancestobacco alcohol cannabis heroin and cocainepresents eye-opening facts about their relationship to politics policies big business and war.Historical overviews and descriptions of the makeup and effects of each drugsuch as the derivation of heroin from the opium poppysegue into an analysis of the risk factors patterns and controversies regarding their use. Biographies profile key players related to the substance-use problem and reports on drug use in the United States and selected countries are viewed from a worldwide perspective offering a thought-provoking exploration of drug use its problems and policies.