Overview
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.
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.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Michael Easton, MD(Rush University Medical Center)
Description:This is an account of the origins and historical and contemporary use of amphetamines, as well as the neurobiological action of stimulants, their effects, benefits, and hazards.
Purpose:The book reviews the positive and negative aspects of amphetamines, their benefits and uses, and takes a critical look at the literature pertaining to their dangers. It also puts much of this information into historical context.
Audience:The audience includes individuals interested in the history of amphetamines from a social perspective as well as those researching or studying the neurobiology of stimulants, their use, and how they relate to some of our understanding of the neurobiology of psychosis.
Features:The book reviews a variety of aspects of amphetamines, how they work, their ability to enhance performance, their medical applications, and their role in some of our theories of psychosis and brain neurobiology. In addition, it examines amphetamine abuse and hazards. Ecstasy is covered in a separate chapter.
Assessment:This is a thoughtful and thorough review of amphetamines from both the historical perspective of their use in society and from a more scientific view of their effects, uses (past, present, and future), and dangers. This book is well written and informative and will be useful for a wide variety of readers.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Michael Easton, MD(Rush University Medical Center)Description: This is an account of the origins and historical and contemporary use of amphetamines, as well as the neurobiological action of stimulants, their effects, benefits, and hazards.
Purpose: The book reviews the positive and negative aspects of amphetamines, their benefits and uses, and takes a critical look at the literature pertaining to their dangers. It also puts much of this information into historical context.
Audience: The audience includes individuals interested in the history of amphetamines from a social perspective as well as those researching or studying the neurobiology of stimulants, their use, and how they relate to some of our understanding of the neurobiology of psychosis.
Features: The book reviews a variety of aspects of amphetamines, how they work, their ability to enhance performance, their medical applications, and their role in some of our theories of psychosis and brain neurobiology. In addition, it examines amphetamine abuse and hazards. Ecstasy is covered in a separate chapter.
Assessment: This is a thoughtful and thorough review of amphetamines from both the historical perspective of their use in society and from a more scientific view of their effects, uses (past, present, and future), and dangers. This book is well written and informative and will be useful for a wide variety of readers.
From the Publisher
"Iversen presents an evenhanded synthesis of what is known about this often-abused group of drugs."--Choice
"Iversen presents an evenhanded synthesis of what is known about this often-abused group of drugs."--Choice
"This is a thoughtful and thorough review of amphetamines from both the historical perspective of their use in society and from a more scientific view of their effects, uses (past, present, and future), and dangers. This book is well written and informative and will be useful for a wide variety of readers."--Doody's