Customer Reviews

Synthetic Panics: The Symbolic Politics of Designer Drugs

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Dr. Jenkins writes an engaging historical examination of how government agencies (Drug Enforcement Administration, police groups)have used alarming claims about designer drugs (and other drugs that have been around for years)in order to fund increasing budgets.

Through a number of case studies, in which he cites statistical information while providing an understanding of how such statistics are gathered, it becomes clear that virtually all of the designer drug panics have been far overrated in their impact. In most cases, there is a small localized following for some drug of abuse, which is then reported in an alarmist fashion as being a major threat to the entire country. Exageration is the norm to those with a vested interest in greater police funding and reduced civil liberties.

He also points out how a press which is always eager to print alarming news to engage readers, and has frequently acted as a stenographer, uncritically publishing these often false claims.

In a constructive finish to the work, the author points out how to spot exaggerated and ungrounded claims, and what to do about them.

This book should be required reading for elected government officials, and concerned citizens.

kbrilhart@mindspring.com

As an addiction and drug writer, I was thrilled to see a book specifically on designer drugs. I found the politics side of the book good, while the science side rather lacking.

If you're looking for a book that follows designer drugs' evolution and entry into the masses, as well as the legislation surrounding them, Synthetic Panics delivers. If you're looking for good hard science, pair this with another read, perhaps like "Buzzed," a simple, yet effective, handbook on illicit drugs.

a powerful, highly intelligent exploration of the more uniquely fascinating aspects to the War on Drugs and its horrendous components.

The author writes from an informed, erudite perspective that drags truly insidious paranoias (generated by people - not drugs) into the light of day, before systematically decimating them.

A brilliant book - a must read.