The slogan on the cover of this book is “Just Say Know”. Aware that the simplistic (“Just say no!”) approach of many drug education programmes has failed to deter adolescents from experimenting with and abusing drugs, the authors of this book aim to provide the reader with balanced, objective facts, based on their conviction “that people make better decisions with accurate information at hand.”
The authors are involved in the BrainWorks Program at Duke University Medical Centre, and include two professors of pharmacology (Kuhn and Wilson) and a professor of psychology (Swartzwelder). The impetus for writing the book was their recognition of how little most adolescents, parents, lawmakers, – and even medical advisors – know about commonly used and abused drugs.
The book is divided into two main sections. The first part deals with commonly used and abused drugs. They describe socially acceptable drugs such as alcohol, nicotine and caffeine; abused prescription drugs, such as steroids and analgesics and sedatives; and illicit substances, such as, Ecstasy, cocaine and hallucinogens. The drugs are discussed in terms of pharmacological class, common slang names, pharmacological effect (“The Buzz”), risks in overdose and other adverse effects. The range of drugs covered is fairly up to date, and includes substances such as gamma hydroxybutarate (GHB). Both the positive and negative effects of drugs are discussed – the debate about the dangers of cannabis is covered, along with the arguments for and against legalisation. Similarly they discuss the question of the possible long term neurotoxicity of Ecstasy and other amphetamine derivatives (so called “designer drugs”).
The second part of the book is much shorter and provides a simple introduction to neurobiology, pharmacology and addiction. Legal issues are also discussed, albeit from an American perspective.
In addition to these two main sections there is also a useful bibliography for those who wish to pursue topics in greater depth, a glossary of drug-related slang, and a colour photographic section which illustrates many of the drugs discussed.
This book is well written and easy to read. It could be used as a resource to be consulted, dipped into simply for interest's sake, or read from cover to cover. Pharmacology is presented in an interesting and accessible manner which does not require the reader to have a background in the life-sciences. And, whilst this is not a pharmacology textbook, the mechanisms of drug action are covered in some depth. However, specifically medical issues, such as treatment of overdose and addiction, are not covered. That this book is written from an American perspective limits the relevance of some sections, especially the discussion of legal issues. In their discussion about the dangers of drugs, whilst coming down hard against Ecstasy, the authors take a softer line than I would with regard to cannabis.
Overall, if you are looking for an up to date, accessible source of information regarding drugs of abuse, this book would be a good starting point.