Drugs and Drug Policy: The Control of Consciousness Alteration - Hardcover

Mosher, Clayton; Akins, Scott

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 076193006X ISBN 13: 9780761930068

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc, 2007

Synopsis

Drugs and Drug Policy: The Control of Consciousness Alteration provides a cross-national perspective on the regulation of drug use by examining and critiquing drug policies in the United States and abroad in terms of their scope, goals, and effectiveness. In this engaging text, authors Clayton J. Mosher and Scott Akins discuss the physiological, psychological, and behavioral effects of legal and illicit drugs; the patterns and correlates of use; and theories of the ôcausesö of drug use. Key Features: Offers more coverage of drug policy issues than competitive books: This book addresses the number of significant developments over the last few decades that suggest the dynamics of drug use and policies to deal with drug use are at a critical juncture. The book also considers the issue of ôAmerican exceptionalismö with respect to drug policies through a detailed analysis of emerging drug polices in other Western nations. Makes explicit comparisons between legal and illegal drugs: Due to their prevalence of use, this book devotes considerable attention to the use and regulation of legal drugs in society. The book illustrates that commonly prescribed medications are similar to drugs that are among the most feared and harshly punished in society and that drug-related problems do not necessarily result from particular drugs, but from how drugs are used. Includes many pedagogical tools: With chapter opening photos and more photos throughout, this text presents material in a student-friendly fashion. Highlight boxes provide interesting examples for readers; encourage further emphasis on issues; and serve as important topics for in class writing exercises. In addition, Internet exercises and review questions reinforce key points made in the chapter and prompt classroom discussion. Intended Audience: This core textbook is designed for any advanced undergraduate or graduate course examining drug use, abuse, and policy in the departments of Sociology, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Social Work, Psychology, and Public Health. It is also an excellent supplemental text in Political Science and Public Administration courses focusing on public policy, as well as a perfect resource for anyone interested in policy issues, and drugs in particular.

About this title

Review

"Mosher and Akins challenge readers' preconceptions and beliefs regarding drug use." (G. A. Blevins 2007-06-01)

"...the authors provide a detailed review of existing drug policy in the United States and an excellent and thorough review of the effects of both legal and illegal substances.  One of the book's outstanding features is its comprehensive coverage of policy regarding legal and non legal drugs...this book is also extremely thought provoking and challenges readers to consider the foundation of their own perspectives on drugs and drug policies."  ―PSYCCRITIQUES (Clayton Neighbors PsycCritiques 2007-12-16)

Dear Clayton and Scott,

I am just finishing up my winter quarter class, "Drugs and Society," in which I used your book, Drugs and Drug Policy. To be honest, I took a chance on the book...My chance was well rewarded. The student feedback on the book was excellent. They thought that you were very even-measured in your presentation, pitched at the right level, and they learned a lot about things they thought they knew, but, alas, did not! Most especially, I also took a chance on including some of the Internet exercises as homework assignments ... and those ended up being a huge hit.... I will be teaching the course again next year and I see no reason why I would not use [Drugs and Drug Policy] again.... I thank you both for a superb job [creating this book]. It certainly made my class better.”

—Peter Adler, University of Denver, Past President, Midwest Sociological Society (Peter Adler)

"...the authors provide a detailed review of existing drug policy in the United States and an excellent and thorough review of the effects of both legal and illegal substances. One of the book's outstanding features is its comprehensive coverage of policy regarding legal and non legal drugs...this book is also extremely thought provoking and challenges readers to consider the foundation of their own perspectives on drugs and drug policies." 

—PsycCRITIQUES (PsycCRITIQUES)

About the Author

Clayton Mosher received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Toronto, and is currently a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Sociology at Washington State University Vancouver. He is the author of several books and articles in the areas of inequality in criminal justice system processing, drugs and drug policies, and the impact of prison construction on employment. Besides co-authoring the Second Edition of Drugs and Drug Policy, he co-authored the Second Edition of The Mismeasure of Crime (SAGE, 2012) with Terance Miethe and Timothy Hart.

About this edition

• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 076193006X
• ISBN 13: 9780761930068
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 528