Forbidden Drugs

Forbidden Drugs

Recreational drug use is a world-wide phenomenon. Despite the best efforts of governments, the public fascination with drugs shows no signs of abating. With media accounts of illegal drug use often verging on the hysterical, this book provides a refreshingly balanced and honest account of drug use throughout the world, one based on scientific fact, and not on dogma. The book examines all the drugs currently used throughout the world, looking at their effects and side-effects. Why do peple use drugs? Why do they become addicted? What are the lessons to be learned from making drugs illegal? Updated for the third edition with chapters rewritten to take account of scientific, epidemiological and political developments since the second edition, and with a new section on the present and future US drug policy from high-profile contributors, the book provides a much needed rational approach to the problem of drug use. Review from previous edition: "The author has provided a very comprehensive cover of all of those aspects of drug misuse as well as a succinct critique of official policy with proposals for future action. Recommended for both professional and general readers." --Journal of the Institute of Health Education 22/08/1995"Did you know that during the First World War, gifts sold by Harrods included a kit of morphine, a syringe and spare needles? It's one of the many fascinating facts in Dr Philip Robson's book Forbidden Drugs." --Leslie Toulson, Woman's Realm 12/12/1995"This book is an excellent introduction to the common drugs of abuse and is a model of good composition...The book is densely packed with facts and information, synthesizing a large body of research, but also containing much information that is so intrinsically interesting that it is a pleasure to 'dip into' at random." --Bill Plummer, Addiction Biology /00/00/2000"Dr Phil Robson has written a wise and humane book, which avoids the easy generalizations and tired shibboleths of the 'drug debate' for an informed and interesting perspective. Thank heavens there are still professionals who are prepared to go against the grain of contemporary drug policy and offer some innovative and forward-looking solutions to the problem of drug use. I urge anyone interested in the issues surrounding illegal drugs to read this book." --Will Self"Philip Robson has brought his excellent Forbidden Drugs up to date. In the public jousting to condemn a small group of drugs as evil, addictive and a threat to civilisation, Robson's cool look at the history, content and use of drugs is refreshing." --New Scientist 17/07/1999"I have yet to find a better book on the subject." --The Sunday Mirror A readable and authoritative account of the medical, legal, and social aspects of recreational drug use. Dr Philip Robson (MBBS, MRCP, FRCPsych) gained experience in hospital medicine, clinical pharmacology and drug development before training as a psychiatrist. He has worked in drug dependency units in Melbourne and London and developed a regional service for drug users in Oxfordshire. Since 2000 he has worked with GW Pharmaceuticals plc in exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based medicines.