Provides a detailed look at opium today in the context of its long history of use as a therapeutic and recreational drug. Opium use dates back 7000 years-longer than any other drug. This book looks at social changes and how they have affected perceptions of opium. Dr. Thomas Sydenham wrote, "Among the remedies which it has pleased the Almighty God to give to man to relieve his sufferings, none is so universal and so efficacious as opium." From this gloving description of opium-written 325 years ago-to today, perceptions of opium have changed dramatically. Opium is now looked upon with fear mor... View More...
Heroin is a fascinating drug to most people. It is often referred to as the "hardest drug." By this logic, people might start with alcohol, work up to marijuana and maybe LSD. Then they reach to cocaine or methamphetamine. And finally, at the end of the journey is heroin. But like most things about heroin, this is more myth than reality. For non-users, this mythic power is exciting. And writers for the last century have been more than willing to pander to such readers in pulp and art novels all the way up to television crime novels. But it is rare for the most people to get a real look at what... View More...
The word heroincalls forth strong emotions - especially fear. It is much like our fear of Satan - an active agent that entices the young and innocent with initial pleasures of the fleah, but once ensnared they face a life of slavery and misery - a living hell! Such extreme reactions exacerbate the problem. Recreational drug adventurers quickly dispel the myth, creating a huge credibility gap. Everything they said was a lie. I can resist this - if I want to! Once hooked, or heavily chipping - also called - pre-addicted - the victim is no longer innocent and hides in shame, finding refuge with j... View More...
