Speed, Ecstasy, Ritalin: The Science of Amphetamines - Hardcover

Iversen, Professor Leslie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198530897 ISBN 13: 9780198530893

Publisher: OUP Oxford, 2006

Synopsis

Amphetamines have had a relatively short, though chequered history. From their use in wartime, their abuse by the beat generation, up to the popularity of Ecstasy in the late 20th century, many have found amphetamines an enjoyable, though unpredictable, stimulant. More than that though, amphetamine-based treatments have been found to have beneficial effects for those suffering from attention deficit disorders, and are now widely prescribed in the US and elsewhere as a treatment for children and adults. What is the truth behind these medical claims? What are the real effects of stimulants like Ecstasy? Just how harmful are amphetamines? In this book, a leading authority on psychoactive drugs explores the uses and abuses of amphetamines. Starting with a look at the origins of amphetamines, their use in wartime, their use by poets, musicians - even a President of the US, it presents a fascinating and accessible account of amphetamine use. It examines the evidence for the claims that drugs like Ecstasy kill, and considers the widespread use of amphetamines for ADHD, presenting a thorough account based on science and fact, rather than dogma.

About this title

Review

...this book provides a very good account of the use and misuse of amphetamines from a scientist's perspective. (British Journal of Psychiatry, Vol 191,)

...a balanced analysis of the historical and contemporary use of amphetamines by diverse users, including those suffering from various medical conditions, professional cyclists, poets, musicians, single mothers and politicians... [and will be useful to] scientists, especially neuroscientists, and the wide range of practicing people, including social scientists, who have to deal with the problems caused by drug abuse. (Chemistry World)

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the use of amphetamine-like agents, such as Ritalin, in the treatment of attention deficit disorders as well as an interest in the continued abuse of drugs such as methamphetamine or ecstasy. (Doody's Journal)

Instead of indulging in the simplistic dichotomies that have plagued some writings on drugs-illegal versus legal, harmful versus benign, hedonistic use versus medical - he has produced something more sophisticated. This is an analysis of the historical and contemporary use of various amphetamines by geographically, socially and psychologically diverse users, including politicians, professional cyclists, single mothers and those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - a world away from the one-dimensional addict of popular prejudice. (New Scientist)

About the Author

Leslie Iversen is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, UK.

Edition details

• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198530897
• ISBN 13: 9780198530893
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 232