Drug Abuse and Society

A hallucinogen can change the way a person sees and interprets reality. There are two types of hallucinogens: natural and synthetic. Natural hallucinogens include some types of mushrooms and peyote, and marijuana. Synthetic hallucinogens include LSD, PCP, and so-called designer drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy). Readers learn about the reasons people use hallucinogens, about the effects on the brain and body, and about abuse, treatment, and recovery. Drug laws and legal issues are discussed, as well as the impact of hallucinogen abuse on society.

Ritalin is considered by some to be one of the most overprescribed drugs. This book investigates the benefits versus the drawbacks of Ritalin use (both legal and illegal) and the cautions young people and parents should take before using the drug.

Caffeine and nicotine are among the most-consumed drugs in America. This book investigates how these socially acceptable drugs are harmful to consumers and dispels myths about their being safe relative to "harder" illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

Experts everywhere are arguing over the effects of steroid use on individuals, sports, and society. Anabolic steroids build up muscle tissue. Most steroids used for medical purposes are synthesized in labs. These are used by doctors to treat a wide variety of diseases, such as muscle wasting, growth deficiency, asthma, skin conditions, and others. Two groups of people commonly abuse steroids: athletes who believe that building up more muscle will give them a competitive edge, and people who are concerned about their personal attractiveness, who wish to enhance their physique. Buying and using steroids without a prescription is illegal--and dangerous. Steroids have many serious effects on the body and mind. Too much of them can cause harm and permanent damage.

Teens are at higher risk for cocaine addiction than are those who first use cocaine as adults because their brains are not as fully developed. Not thinking of its possible consequences, young people try cocaine "just for fun" and soon find they are hooked. In this book, readers learn the factors contributing to cocaine addiction and how coke works on the body. They also learn about the various drug laws, criminal offenses, and some of the possible sentences if a person is convicted of illegal cocaine use. Strategies for treatment and rehabilitation are also presented.

Heroin is one of the deadliest drugs in existence. It's also one of the most popular. This book goes into chilling detail the health detriments of using this lethal drug even once.