Cocaine: A New Epidemic (Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs. Series 1) [Library Binding]

Chris E. Johanson (Author), Solomon H. Snyder (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs. Series 1 | Publication Date: September 1992

Examines the history, dangers, and increasing appeal of cocaine abuse in America.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 107 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea House Pub (L); Updated edition (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877547653
• ISBN-13: 978-0877547655
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,215,176 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent history of cocaine, with explanation of how cocaine affects the brain. Worth having. Good for research., December 15, 2010

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Assoc For Natural Psych "world of nature" (Newark, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Cocaine: A New Epidemic (Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs. Series 1) (Library Binding)

This is an interesting series on drugs and health. The book on cocaine is no exception. I obtained the book from a public school library giveaway. It has a marvelous historical consideration of the drug, tracing its history back to Peru with the Indians who used the drug in their ceremonies, as well as for performance, that is, chewing cocoa leaves.

Most interesting that Coca-Cola, as most know, used cocaine, cocoa leaves, as one of its ingredients. Before the Harrison antinarcotic law was passed, Coca-Cola stopped using cocaine as an active ingredient, but interestingly, still uses cocoa leaves, denuded of their active drug, as a flavor enhancer.

Cocaine affects the mind by raising the level of certain neurotransmittors, notably dopamine and norepinephrine. Some psychiatric drugs such as certain antidepressants and amphetamines used for treating ADHD, affect the same neurotransmittors, whowever, in not such an intense and addictive fashion, more along the lines of the way Peruvian Indians used it for enhancement of performance.

In any case, this is an excellent history, and is worthwhile getting just for the pictures/photos, which explain quite a bit. Recommended.