The Love Drug: Marching to the Beat of Ecstasy (Haworth Therapy for the Addictive Disorders) [Paperback]

Richard S Cohen (Author), Barry Stimmel (Author)

Book Description

Series: Haworth Therapy for the Addictive Disorders | Publication Date: June 22, 1998

In The Love Drug: Marching to the Beat of Ecstasy, you’ll follow the streak of popularity the compound MDMA, or “Ecstasy,” has left behind, all the way from its initial patent to its present-day use as a recreational substance at social gatherings--the all-night-to-early-morning parties known as “Raves.” Simple enough for the everyday reader and yet detailed enough for educators, researchers, and clinicians, this book gives you cutting-edge data about this curious and sometimes unpredictable chemical substance. You’ll also get a handle on the many future implications the drug may have in our society of scientists, legal officials, average citizens, and all-night partiers.

Put simply, no other publication will so concisely and clearly help you synthesize the structural significance, legal controversy, and adverse reactions surrounding Ecstasy as The Love Drug. Overall, its thought-provoking and informative treatment of the topic will give you a balanced, impartial view of Ecstasy’s past and present-day history. And on the other hand, it may also act as a pivotal deterrent if you’re someone who has experimented with this sometimes quixotic mind-altering substance. Specifically, its indepth examination will help you:

• understand the complete synthesis of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), its patent, chemical configuration, and pharmacological action
• see the connection of this chemical substance to its infamous, alluring moniker--Ecstasy
• get an accurate synopsis of the full oral and written legal history of the drug
• become familiar with the adverse reactions ascribed to Ecstasy use
• understand the place of Ecstasy in the realm of psychotherapy
• see how Ecstasy and the Rave movement perpetuate each other
  
  If you’re one of the many who have made all-night partying a science, The Love Drug will clear away the dogma and show you the many ways this drug could change your life. If you’re a preclinical researcher, educator, or member of an emergency room team, you’ll find this book a priceless source of contemporary information.
  
  Visit the book’s website: http://www.angelfire.com/nj/ecstasy

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (June 22, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789004542
• ISBN-13: 978-0789004543
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,249,915 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A straightforward, no-nonsense presentation, January 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Love Drug: Marching to the Beat of Ecstasy (Haworth Therapy for the Addictive Disorders) (Paperback)

For several years now, the buzz about Ecstasy and its scientific name MDMA has grown significantly from the confines of the medical community, through the halls of the DEA, and to providing the fuel for raves all over the world. Now poised to be exposed to the general public, there's no better time than for everyone who might encounter it to educate themselves. For those who really want to know what's up, there's no better source than Richard S. Cohen's The Love Drug: Marching to the Beat of Ecstasy. When the first raves were being held in England in the latter half of the 80's, rapid pill-popping ensued. When this resurgence was detected in America, it was swiftly banned and has been ever since. Despite the legalities, Ecstasy (a.k.a. X, beans, rolls) continues to be bought, sold, and consumed by an ever-growing number of people. While exact experiences quoted in The Love Drug vary, the overall response to the drug are positive. It is not to be confused or compared with any other drug, most notably other rave-friendly chemicals such as GHB, Rophynol, or LSD. Cohen breaks down Ecstasy from all aspects, providing readers with a thorough journey of a drug that few people have a full understanding of, if even that. Undoubtedly, The Love Drug is a straightforward, no-nonsense presentation. While other media coverage regarding the drug in the past have leaned towards advocating its use (such as in the books E Is For Ecstasy and The Pursuit of Ecstasy), or providing misleading warnings (various news articles, including a dreadful story on 20/20 aired three years ago), Cohen does neither. He keeps an amazing neutrality on the issue from start to finish, replacing influential propaganda with hard facts, countless passages from various medical journals, and extensive quotes from those who have tried it. This is all managed without the slightest sway of personal opinion, a feat that is difficult to achieve for such a debatable topic. The accessibility of The Love Drug allows anyone with an interest in Ecstasy to take a look. Whether it be a desire to try it or just a simple curiosity to learn about it, Cohen has established a middle ground that will hopefully become the standard when addressing any drug-related issues. Like any complex subject in our culture, the only way of getting a fair understanding of it is to be able to look at it from an objective point of view, something Cohen has accomplished in The Love Drug, leaving the personal decisions where they belong... to the reader.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Timely Book For Everyone, August 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Love Drug: Marching to the Beat of Ecstasy (Haworth Therapy for the Addictive Disorders) (Paperback)

Whether one is interested in the chemical configuration of Ecstasy, the chemistry involved in manufacturing the pill, or how Ecstasy emerged upon the rave scene-- you will find THE LOVE DRUG to be useful. I particularly enjoyed learning about the many legislative facets that have never before been revealed leading up to the banning of Ecstasy. The book describes something that was unbenownst to me in that Ecstasy was legal up until 15 years ago, and used within psychotherapy. The book also delves into the rave event or circuit parties pointing out the intimate relationship between such parties and Ecstasy. The book is definitely well-researched, and very resourceful for anyone trying to go behind the scenes to truly learn about this rather tempting drug. The chapter pertaining to adverse reactions will sure make people think twice about experimenting with the substance. Of course there are chances and risks that we take throughout our life. But at the same time; internal bleeding, convulsions, hyperthermia, kidney failure, and liver damage don't sound too inviting either. The fisthand accounts of ravers and individuals who have had medical trauma keeps one glued to the book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Informative, December 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Love Drug: Marching to the Beat of Ecstasy (Haworth Therapy for the Addictive Disorders) (Paperback)

A truly informative overview of MDMA, the compound we refer to here in England as 'E'. The author neatly portrays all of the cognitive, behavioural, and other pressing clinical issues surrounding ecstasy. The facts are intriguing, at times shocking. The user-quotes are entertaining, yet accurately depict the use of ecstasy in recreational arenas. The adverse effects attributed to E are striking, alarming, and cause for some panic. Certainly a must read for researchers, E users, behaviourists, & psychotherapeutic clinicians. The book is easy reading, presenting purely factual information.