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ciarafor's review against another edition
5.0
I have a degree in neuroscience with a study emphasis on narcotics, so I was delighted to hear that one of the lead neuroscientists in the field of drug research had written a book about modern day drug use for grown-ups. By the end of this book, I am now a staunch supporter of the full legalization of every drug - in addition to the governmental regulation of those drugs, the same way we regulate the quality of legalized marijuana, or the driving of cars. If you have any interest in understanding the science and the social impacts of the actual "war on drugs," I recommend reading this book as soon as possible. This is the type of book that could change a nation, if enough people were willing to read and understand it.
billiamdyemyhair's review
4.0
Both deeply researched and incredibly welcoming, Dr. Hart describes drug use from a profoundly different perspective than most people are used to.
joslynhebda's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
sagegreen19's review against another edition
4.0
i’m not fully convinced by all his claims, particularly the idea that legal access and proper mental healthcare will solve drug addiction. but he does make a strong case for refuting many of claims used to justify current drug policy as outright bs or poorly researched. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in drug regulation and overall policy.
somelitreference's review against another edition
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.75
Informative book! I do wish he delved deeper into any of scientifically-backed negative side effects of different drugs or what actually are the actual markers of addiction. However, I understand that this book's purpose to portray the positives of different drugs. The most beneficial part of this book is guide of sorts on how to parse through sensationalist studies and articles to see if evidence was obtained ethically, logically, and within the scope of scientific process. His personal antidotes mostly were illuminating. Some he should have edited it out since previous antidotes already provided the same information or contextualization.
rkcobb's review against another edition
5.0
Deescalating the overblown and misguided culture of drug use across the globe, Dr. Carl Hart cleanly and objectively uses his expertise in the field of psychopharmacology and lived experience as a drug user to dispel racial rhetoric and harmful policies that affect disenfranchised peoples overwhelmingly. Taking chapters to briefly chop up the histories of specific drugs and their use in culture, Hart makes sure to cover every base of what constitutes the correct perception of drug use going forward and how we as a society and humanity as a whole can do to fix the problem we dug ourselves into. It’s time for change and transparency in regards to drug use, staying in the closet only hurts everybody.
ddillon154's review against another edition
3.0
The book is fine, but repetitive. Hart largely reiterates well worn arguments, using common observations about racialized drug enforcement, and occasionally peppers in criticism of shoddy science or contributes something from his research career. Mildly informative. Likely an exercise in preaching to the choir.