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From Chocolate to Morphine: Everything You Need to Know About Mind-Altering Drugs
From Chocolate to Morphine is the definitive guide to drugs and drug use from one of America’s most respected and best-known doctors. This enormously popular book — the best and most authoritative resource for unbiased information about how drugs affect the mind and the body — covers a wide range of available substances, from coffee to marijuana, antihistamines to psychedelics, steroids to smart drugs, and discusses likely effects, precautions, and alternatives. Now expanded and updated to cover such drugs as oxycontin, Ecstasy, Prozac, and ephedra and to address numerous ongoing issues, including the United States’ war on drugs, marijuana for therapeutic use, the overuse of drugs for children diagnosed with ADHD, and more, From Chocolate to Morphine is an invaluable resource.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
105 people are currently reading
1621 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Weil
209 books653 followersAndrew Weil, M.D., is a world-renowned leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing oriented approach to health care that encompasses body, mind, and spirit. He is the author of many scientific and popular articles and of 14 books: The Natural Mind, The Marriage of the Sun and Moon From Chocolate to Morphine (with Winifred Rosen) Health and Healing, Natural Health, Natural Medicine; and the international bestsellers, Spontaneous Healing and 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, Eating Well for Optimum Health: The Essential Guide to Food, Diet, and Nutrition The Healthy Kitchen: Recipes for a Better Body, Life, and Spirit (with Rosie Daley) Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being; and Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future (issued in paperback with new content as You Can’t Afford to Get Sick).
Combining a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural and preventive medicine, Dr. Weil is Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he also holds the Lovell-Jones Endowed Chair in Integrative Rheumatology and is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health. The Center is the leading effort in the world to develop a comprehensive curriculum in integrative medicine. Graduates serve as directors of integrative medicine programs throughout the United States, and through its Fellowship, the Center is now training doctors and nurse practitioners around the world.
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Combining a Harvard education and a lifetime of practicing natural and preventive medicine, Dr. Weil is Director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, where he also holds the Lovell-Jones Endowed Chair in Integrative Rheumatology and is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Professor of Public Health. The Center is the leading effort in the world to develop a comprehensive curriculum in integrative medicine. Graduates serve as directors of integrative medicine programs throughout the United States, and through its Fellowship, the Center is now training doctors and nurse practitioners around the world.
Learn More:
Facebook.com/DrWeil
YouTube.com/DrWeil
Instagram.com/DrWeil
Flickr.com/DrWeil
Pinterest/DrWeil
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 10, 2013
So, this book is amazing and everyone should be required to read it. Boviously that will never happen.
The differences between drug use and drug abuse are discussed. The bulk of the book consists of information on many (all?) types of mind-altering drugs: where it came from, how it's used and by whom, how it's abused, how it can be used responsibly. It was so . . . mind-bending to read that it's okay if you use cocaine or amphetamines on occasion, just don't overdo it. (As always, though, stay the fuck away from heroin.) Also the authors have a lot of anger towards doctors mis- and over-prescribing medication, which is completely justified.
My edition is from 1998 -- I bought it in 2004 (hooray for Amazon's long memory!) but just got around to reading it now. As such, some stuff is out of date, particularly with regard to marijuana and MDMA, and I'd be interested in the latest edition. (Also: the concept of a "designated driver" had apparently not been invented/popularized yet -- he bemoans the fact that this exists in Sweden (I think?) but not the US -- I forgot that that wasn't always a thing.)
The book wraps up with an appendix filled with testimonials of drug users. That part's fantastic as well. It's interesting to hear one person say "PCP is a terrible drug and I can't see anyone having a good time with it" directly contrasted with someone saying they've spent years using it responsibly. Also the one about the dude addicted to running. Because that is a real thing.
So, yes. There's a ton of information in here that SHOULD be common sense, but isn't because of the amount of propaganda we're fed from day one. All teenagers should read this book. If you tell kids pot will kill them, and they try it anyway and it DOESN'T, they're going to discount any information you've ever given them about drugs. How about telling people the truth instead, and letting them make decisions for themselves? A remarkable thought, I know.
The differences between drug use and drug abuse are discussed. The bulk of the book consists of information on many (all?) types of mind-altering drugs: where it came from, how it's used and by whom, how it's abused, how it can be used responsibly. It was so . . . mind-bending to read that it's okay if you use cocaine or amphetamines on occasion, just don't overdo it. (As always, though, stay the fuck away from heroin.) Also the authors have a lot of anger towards doctors mis- and over-prescribing medication, which is completely justified.
My edition is from 1998 -- I bought it in 2004 (hooray for Amazon's long memory!) but just got around to reading it now. As such, some stuff is out of date, particularly with regard to marijuana and MDMA, and I'd be interested in the latest edition. (Also: the concept of a "designated driver" had apparently not been invented/popularized yet -- he bemoans the fact that this exists in Sweden (I think?) but not the US -- I forgot that that wasn't always a thing.)
The book wraps up with an appendix filled with testimonials of drug users. That part's fantastic as well. It's interesting to hear one person say "PCP is a terrible drug and I can't see anyone having a good time with it" directly contrasted with someone saying they've spent years using it responsibly. Also the one about the dude addicted to running. Because that is a real thing.
So, yes. There's a ton of information in here that SHOULD be common sense, but isn't because of the amount of propaganda we're fed from day one. All teenagers should read this book. If you tell kids pot will kill them, and they try it anyway and it DOESN'T, they're going to discount any information you've ever given them about drugs. How about telling people the truth instead, and letting them make decisions for themselves? A remarkable thought, I know.
January 14, 2014
Found this book (1988 edition) at a sidewalk book sale for $2. It gives an overview of how different psychoactive substances (from chocolate to marijuana and psychedelics to opiates and stimulants) affect the mind and body. Written before Dr Weil became a household name it also includes suggestions for users to follow if they want an optimal experience and/or remain un-addicted. The facts are presented in a matter-of-fact manner and Weil tries to remain impartial and objective. Some of his suggestions are a bit wonky - it's obvious Weil hasn't personally tested all the substances he writes about - but compared with the scaremongering DARE, DEA and police department anti-drug propaganda pamphlets and videos this book is a breath of fresh air. I first came across it during the height of my high school experimentation days and it was a good counterpoint to the "drugs are evil and will destroy you" stuff distributed by the department of education.
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn more about recreational substances. Weil does a decent job presenting the basic facts without glorifying drug use or resorting to scare-propaganda tactics and lets readers draw their own conclusions.
I recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn more about recreational substances. Weil does a decent job presenting the basic facts without glorifying drug use or resorting to scare-propaganda tactics and lets readers draw their own conclusions.
August 8, 2023
Entertaining but out of date
Well written and behaves as time capsule, just missing words like groovy and far out! As there has been a lot of research since it's publication it could do with an update.
Well written and behaves as time capsule, just missing words like groovy and far out! As there has been a lot of research since it's publication it could do with an update.
July 26, 2011
This book is no BS book about illegal drugs. If you using drugs, curious about drugs or know someone who is using drugs. Then this book is for you. A lot of Theocrats and over protective parents would have this book burned because it tells you how to take Psycho-active drugs safely. However, it also tells of the dangers, potential for addiction, effects, accidental overdose info, etc. This book could have saved lives it was circulated well in the 60's and 70's especially. Dr Weil is a reknowned homeopathic doctor and herbalist (ex-hippie). No school counselor or social worker should be without this if they are serious about dealing with people who do drugs.
November 14, 2013
Weil and Rosen were decades ahead of their time in their liberal views and focus on harm reduction. While these views are much more widely accepted these days, 1983 was the start of an era of punitive and abstinence-based approaches to drug use. While this book did not affect the approaches of legal systems and public drug education, I am sure that it lent a more informative, balanced, and non-hysterical view for many teens (and adults!) personally reading it. It would have been nice if From Chocolate To Morphine was used in drug education programs across schools, but that is unlikely outside the context of certain private schooling institutions, which have more leeway in educational approaches. Certainly, I wish that I had read this book as a teenager. As a homeschooled child and teen, I received zero drug education from my parents, other than vague notions about “those marginal people” and “don't do it”.
I like that the authors have a more extensive “suggested reading” at the end of each chapter, for those who would like to do more research. I like the direct, straightforward, and non-alarmist language that is used, and just that type of balanced language lends more credibility in my view. However, that's not to say that I think the book is perfect. I feel like this book really glosses over the harm that marijuana and psychedelics can do. Now, I am pro-legalization, and I appreciate the mind-opening and spiritual peak experiences that those drugs can bring. In the book, however, the authors seem to be too slanted towards these positive effects. Marijuana actually has some very detrimental effects on mood and motivation for many people, not just a select few, and I don't think that it's as harmless as the authors suggest it is. I think that the authors downplayed the potential for psychotic episodes from psychedelic use. While the guy who thinks he is a glass of orange juice is an urban myth, there are more than a few people who have had to deal with various other types of short or long-term psychosis triggered by psychedelic use in chaotic set and/or settings.
The book is just a little bit outdated in that there is no section for MDMA. This makes sense, of course, because MDMA (“Ecstasy”, “Molly”) became wildly popular in the late 80's to early 90's, after the book was published, and at first it came with a specific subculture. It's actually only in recent years that MDMA has been swept up into popular culture. I would love to read the thoughts that these authors have about it. I also would have liked to read more about Ibogaine (which is now being used rather successfully to treat long-term heroin addiction, but can also be highly dangerous to the heart and liver).
In general, I really liked it, and would love to see them come out with a similar book that is more up-to-date and addresses the new trends in drug use.
I like that the authors have a more extensive “suggested reading” at the end of each chapter, for those who would like to do more research. I like the direct, straightforward, and non-alarmist language that is used, and just that type of balanced language lends more credibility in my view. However, that's not to say that I think the book is perfect. I feel like this book really glosses over the harm that marijuana and psychedelics can do. Now, I am pro-legalization, and I appreciate the mind-opening and spiritual peak experiences that those drugs can bring. In the book, however, the authors seem to be too slanted towards these positive effects. Marijuana actually has some very detrimental effects on mood and motivation for many people, not just a select few, and I don't think that it's as harmless as the authors suggest it is. I think that the authors downplayed the potential for psychotic episodes from psychedelic use. While the guy who thinks he is a glass of orange juice is an urban myth, there are more than a few people who have had to deal with various other types of short or long-term psychosis triggered by psychedelic use in chaotic set and/or settings.
The book is just a little bit outdated in that there is no section for MDMA. This makes sense, of course, because MDMA (“Ecstasy”, “Molly”) became wildly popular in the late 80's to early 90's, after the book was published, and at first it came with a specific subculture. It's actually only in recent years that MDMA has been swept up into popular culture. I would love to read the thoughts that these authors have about it. I also would have liked to read more about Ibogaine (which is now being used rather successfully to treat long-term heroin addiction, but can also be highly dangerous to the heart and liver).
In general, I really liked it, and would love to see them come out with a similar book that is more up-to-date and addresses the new trends in drug use.
February 17, 2010
This is a very informative book. The authors explain the effects of almost every major drug that most people use, including over the counter drugs that people are addicted to. What I did not like about the book was that the information on some of the drugs was rather brief and left me wanting more information. On the other hand, at the end of each chapter the author contributes a list of books on each of the drugs, which I will definitely read.
The authors also leave a positive message about the use of any drug, and also describes what it is to have a positive relationship with a drug. "We think that the use of any drug becomes abusive when it threatens a person's health or impairs one's social or economic functioning." There is also a brief but factual history of drugs in the world, from coffee to wine and how the Catholic church treated those substances as an evil drug and a traditional sacrament, respectively. The authors also explained why it is that people like to do drug and that since we are young we do certain physical activities that induce hormones that give us a state of euphoria, that we then search for as adults.
Interesting Facts:
"Injection of drugs is relatively recent, dating only to the invention of the hypodermic syringe in 1853. Interestingly, the world's first morphine addict was the wife of the man who came up with that device."
"The substances in this class probably have the lowest potential for abuse of any psychoactive drugs. In purely medical terms, they may be the safest of all known drugs. Even in huge overdose, psychedelics do not kill, and some people take them frequently all their lives without suffering physical damage or dependence."
"The mental effects of psychedelics are completely dependent on set and setting - on who takes them and why, where, and how."
"Despite loud arguments and much bad publicity about the medical dangers of LSD in the 1970s, there is no evidence that it damages chromosomes, injures the brain, or causes any other physical harm."
"Dependence has to do more with human beings, than with drugs."
The authors also leave a positive message about the use of any drug, and also describes what it is to have a positive relationship with a drug. "We think that the use of any drug becomes abusive when it threatens a person's health or impairs one's social or economic functioning." There is also a brief but factual history of drugs in the world, from coffee to wine and how the Catholic church treated those substances as an evil drug and a traditional sacrament, respectively. The authors also explained why it is that people like to do drug and that since we are young we do certain physical activities that induce hormones that give us a state of euphoria, that we then search for as adults.
Interesting Facts:
"Injection of drugs is relatively recent, dating only to the invention of the hypodermic syringe in 1853. Interestingly, the world's first morphine addict was the wife of the man who came up with that device."
"The substances in this class probably have the lowest potential for abuse of any psychoactive drugs. In purely medical terms, they may be the safest of all known drugs. Even in huge overdose, psychedelics do not kill, and some people take them frequently all their lives without suffering physical damage or dependence."
"The mental effects of psychedelics are completely dependent on set and setting - on who takes them and why, where, and how."
"Despite loud arguments and much bad publicity about the medical dangers of LSD in the 1970s, there is no evidence that it damages chromosomes, injures the brain, or causes any other physical harm."
"Dependence has to do more with human beings, than with drugs."
February 17, 2022
This book has a really high average rating considering it's a decades-old handbook on drugs. Reading it was a waste of time, though it did force me to stop and reflect on how awful drug education must have been before the internet. I would have appreciated it as a 14-year-old.
The authors' attitude toward drug use was way ahead of its time. However, whenever I started to find myself truly interested in what I was reading, the authors would either begin dryly reciting facts, mentioning kind-of-inane historical cultural significance, or would switch to another topic entirely. For example, the section on Nootropics struck me because I thought that whole thing was brand new in the 2010s. But there was very little explanation of what was going on or what the studies were showing even back in the day.
The section on alcohol/alcoholism also felt incomplete. And the book starting out by brushing over the concept of gateway drugs (and never approaching it again) is kind of irresponsible since nearly every "drug positive" circle I've been on the periphery of has pretty squarely fit into the concept of people literally graduating from pot to really strong pot to hard drugs and research chemicals. Just saying, I think a lot of peoples' first experience with cocaine or opiates occurs when very drunk or very high. Kind of missed by this book.
Unless you've never once gone down the Wikipedia wormhole that involves clicking from one edgy drug article to the next, your reaction to this book will be "hm, cool, great example of forward thinking from a time where there wasn't much of it."
The authors' attitude toward drug use was way ahead of its time. However, whenever I started to find myself truly interested in what I was reading, the authors would either begin dryly reciting facts, mentioning kind-of-inane historical cultural significance, or would switch to another topic entirely. For example, the section on Nootropics struck me because I thought that whole thing was brand new in the 2010s. But there was very little explanation of what was going on or what the studies were showing even back in the day.
The section on alcohol/alcoholism also felt incomplete. And the book starting out by brushing over the concept of gateway drugs (and never approaching it again) is kind of irresponsible since nearly every "drug positive" circle I've been on the periphery of has pretty squarely fit into the concept of people literally graduating from pot to really strong pot to hard drugs and research chemicals. Just saying, I think a lot of peoples' first experience with cocaine or opiates occurs when very drunk or very high. Kind of missed by this book.
Unless you've never once gone down the Wikipedia wormhole that involves clicking from one edgy drug article to the next, your reaction to this book will be "hm, cool, great example of forward thinking from a time where there wasn't much of it."
December 8, 2012
Fantastic straight forward information about legal and illegal drugs. Very unbiased approach to dispel common myths related to drugs and present the facts. The book is written for a teen to young adult reader so it's very easy to understand. Book focuses heavily on understanding the difference between drug use and drug abuse. It urges the reader that if they decide to experiment with drug use, how to use the drugs as safely as possible to best avoid addictions, complications and abuse.
The author, a doctor highly skilled in this area of work, admits that many parents may be upset on the books approach but he feels it is very important for young adults to understand proper use of the drugs if they are going to experiment.
I really enjoyed this read and it was so interesting to learn in more detail of the many different drugs out there. This is definitely a book I would like to read with my daughter as she becomes a teenager as I feel eduction about this area is so important (instead of classing all drugs as bad, focus on each of them specifically and teach what long term affects they can have on our bodies).
The author, a doctor highly skilled in this area of work, admits that many parents may be upset on the books approach but he feels it is very important for young adults to understand proper use of the drugs if they are going to experiment.
I really enjoyed this read and it was so interesting to learn in more detail of the many different drugs out there. This is definitely a book I would like to read with my daughter as she becomes a teenager as I feel eduction about this area is so important (instead of classing all drugs as bad, focus on each of them specifically and teach what long term affects they can have on our bodies).
February 18, 2023
This is OK. The plus to this book is that Weil goes into lesser-known drugs, including psychoactive drugs like Haldol that nobody would dream of abusing; the oddity about it is that he gives advice on the best ways to use things like magic mushrooms and so on. Seemingly written for young people thinking of trying drugs, he is clear that all of them are dangerous, but then goes on to tell you the best methods? Um, Andy? Hello?
January 2, 2023
Drug abuse = bad relationships with drugs. "Some people may prefer to see heroin addicts in a methadone treatment rather than seeking heroin on the street, but let us not kid ourselves: the 'treatment' is just addiction to another narcotic." [p2]
- All drugs are dangerous
- "wanting to change your consciousness is not a symptom of mental illness or an unhealthy need to escape from reality."
- "There are no good or bad drugs, only good or bad uses of drugs." [p180]
Is sugar a drug? Chocolate? - drug = any substances that in small amounts produces significant changes in the body, mind, or both. Difference between drug/poison is also unclear.
- What is "good" or "bad" is arbitrary between cultures
- "Most" view all nonmedical drugs other than alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine as bad
- North American Indians use peyote and tobacco, but consider alcohol a curse
- 1960s counterculture consider marijuana and psychedelics as good, but alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and other legal drugs as bad
- Yogis in India use marijuana, but teach that opiates and alcohol are harmful
- Muslims are ok with opiates, marijuana, khat, but not alcohol
- Early Muslim sects used coffee in rituals, but were against alcohol. Roman Catholic Church in 17th century used wine in rituals but were opposed to coffee
Stimulants
- Adrenal (latin) = epninephros (greek) = on the kidney
- Affect sympathetic nervous system, preparing body for fight/flight and suppress vital functions (e.g. hunger)
○ Caffeine: coffee, tea, kola nut, guarana, mate, cacao (also theobromine)
§ Bach was a coffee addict - wrote the "coffee cantata" in 1732 when coffee houses started to invade Europe. "Greatest of pleasures! Coffee, coffee, how I love its flavor, and if you would win my favor, yes! Yes! Let me have coffee, let me have my coffee strong"
○ Coca: simlar to caffeine but soothes the stomach and no jitteriness
§ 0.5% cocaine in coca leaves + many other alkaloids
§ Street cocaine is 60%. Similar to brewed beer or wine vs. distilled alcohol
§ Not very toxic - liver can detoxify every 30min
○ Amphetamines: structure similar to epinephrine / norepinephrine, but effects last 4hrs
§ Amphetamine (Benzedrine), Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), methamphetamine (Methedrine)
§ Reasons unknown why amphetamines have a calming effect in children
○ Tobacco/nicotine: one of most powerful / toxic, body quickly develops a tolerance very quickly (in hours)
§ Smoking destroys most of the nicotine
- Four exotic stimulant plants
○ Betel nut
○ Qat (khat, chat, miraa)
○ yohimbe
○ Ephedrine : similar chemical structure to epinephrine, but more anxiety / less euphoria
§ "Mormon tea"
- Advice on stimulants: keep limited, use purposefully, do not take to help perform ordinary functions (use as performance enhancing on special situations), take by mouth, take diluted forms, do not combine with depressants, avoid look-alikes/synthetics
Depressants
- Low doses cause people to feel stimulated, not fully understood why
- Sedative-Hypnotics:
○ Alcohol: From Macbeth: "it provokes and unprovokes, it provokes the desire but it takes away the performance"
○ Barbiturates / sleeping pills: barbituric acid, phenobarbital
○ Minor tranquilizers: benzodiazepines, less dangerous in combination with alcohol
§ Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax)
○ GHB (gammahydroxybutyrate) - metabolite of GABA
§ does not cause tolerance or addiction, stimulates pituitary gland to release GH
○ General anesthesia: chloroform (highly toxic), diethyl ether, N2O
- Narcotics: from the greek word meaning "stupor"
○ Opiates. Opium (milky juice from papaver pods) - brought to the west as laudanum
§ morphine - from Morpheus, greek god of dreams - more powerful IV or IM
§ Codeine (methylmorphine) - weaker than morphine but more orally active
§ High potential for addiction / tolearance.
○ Synthetic opiates: heroin, methadone. Treatment = substitution of one dependence for another
Psychedelics / Hallucinogens
- originally called psychomimetics in Europe on the belief that they made people temporarily insane
- Psychedelics = mind manifesting. Lowest potential for abuse. In huge overdoses do not kill
- Indoles - rapid acting (20-40mins with peak at 102hrs)
○ LSD / lysergic acid diamide (LSD-25 because of its effect at 25microgram dose). Only physiological danger is contraction of the uterus - avoid if pregnant
○ Morning Glory seeds - ergine / lysergic acid amide. Other alkaloids cause nausea, need to be extracted
○ Mushrooms / psilocybin - loophole in growing since the spores do not contain psilocybin
§ Does not consider amanita to be a hallucinogen - it's a deliriant
○ Ibogaine
○ DMT / 5-MeO-DMT - smoking toad venom destroys most of compounds except 5-MeO-DMT
§ DMT is destroyed in the stomach (without an MAOi)
§ Rapid development of tolerance if smoked regularly
○ Yage - high level of trial/error to figure out combination of Yage with DMT
- Hallucinogens related to epinephrine / amphetamines (no indole) - gradual onset but longer lasting
○ Peyote / mescaline - 0.5g dose for 10-12hrs
○ STP (DOM) - synthetic mescaline
○ MDA (methylenedixoyamphetamine) - 100-150mg dose for 10-12hrs
§ Chemically related to amphetamine, although it causes relaxation (love feelings). Rarely have visuals
○ MDMA (methylenedioxymethaamphetamine) - shorter duration than MDA, 125mg dose
§ High day-after fatigue
○ Designer psychedelics: MMDA, TMA, PMA, 2CB, 2CT2
Marijuana
- In a class by itself, cannabinoids resemble no other molecule
- Highly hydrophobic - absorbed unevenly when eaten, and stay in the body long due to accumulation in fat
- Very low toxicity, low danger in mixing
○ Highly toxic if contaminated with paraquat (herbicide intentionally used to poison fields)
- Tolerance occurs - gateway drug theory is unproven
Solvents / Inhalants / Deliriants
- Organic solvents - 15-30min high, fear of popularity among children
○ aerosol propellants (Freon)
○ Amyl nitrate - historically used to relieve heart pain as an inhalant. Lasts only a few minutes
§ Called poppers because come in cloth-covered glass capsules that "pop" when broken
§ Popular as a sex enhancer, especially among homosexual population
§ Safe / high ADME
○ Butyl nitrate and isobutyl nitrite
- Deliriants: differ from hallucinogens because of marked confusion / disorientation
○ Can lead to toxic psychosis if overdosed in the brain
○ Nightshades (jimsonweed, datura, belladonna, henbane)
§ Family of plants includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, and even tobacco
§ Contain scopolamine - poisonous in high doses. In low doses have been used in sleeping pills Even used in the past to make women amnesic to the pain of childbirth
§ Roots contain the least / are safest, seeds are the highest
§ Many physiological effects: fever, inability to focus eyes, rapid heart rate. 12-48hrs
§ Vivid hallucinations but also with some amnesia so hard to remember. More frightening / visions of monsters and devils than psychedelics
○ Amanita: traditionally used by tribes of Siberia. 30min onset, 4-8hr effect
§ Moderate doses - dreamy intoxication but physical discomfort due to toxicity.
§ Ibotenic acid and muscimol - similar to GABA
○ Nutmeg and mace (outer covering of the seed)
§ Contain myristicin, converted in the body to amphetamine-like psychedelics
§ Medium toxicity and heavy hangover. Unpleasant
- Dissociatives
○ PCP (phencyclidine) - originally marketed under Sernyl as an anesthetic. Many unpleasant side effects
§ Sold as "cannabinol" or synthetic THC (falsely)
§ 30min onset, 4-6hr duration, though oral doses last longer
§ Usually blank / rigid, but can result in agitation. Effects are not interesting nor productive
○ Ketamine - closely related to PCP, usually IV or IM
§ More useful dreamy state, without hyperactivity. Patients lie in peaceful dissociative states
Medical Drugs / Herbal Remedies
- Major tranquilizers: chloropromazine (Thorine), haloperidol (Haldol), fluophenazine (Prolixin)
○ for managing severe emotional disorders
○ Can be used to end bad reactions to psychedelic drugs
- Antidepressants: imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac)
○ Require 2 weeks regular use, high toxicity, can result in anxiety
- Lithium: serious toxicity, but can dampen manic episodes from mood swings
- Antihistamines: blocks histamine which causes allergic reactions but cause sedation
○ Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (dramamine), pyrilamine, doxylamine, etc.
- Corticosteroids: reduce inflammation and allergic reactions, mostly used topically
○ Cortisone, blocks cortisol release
○ Can produce euphoria as a side effect
- Anabolic steroids
- Cough suppressants
○ Hydrocodone, semisynthetic derivative of codeine
- GI drugs
○ Atropine considered in here
- Bronchodilators
○ Theophylline, one of the alkaloids of tea that is close to caffeine
- mild analgesics
○ Fill the gap between aspiring and morphine, opiate derivatives
- Herbal remedies
○ Valerian root: natural sedative
○ Kava-kava: herbal depressant
○ Ginseng: can be a stimulant or depressant
- Smart drugs (nootropics)
○ Pyrrolidone derivatives to enhance memory: piracetam, oxiracetam, aniracetam
○ DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) - weak androgenic effect, youthening effect
○ DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) - small amounts in fish
○ Hydergine - derived from ergot, for TBI. Improves memory/learning
○ Selegiline (eldepryl, deprenyl) - treatment of parkinsons. Wakens brain functions
○ Vasopressin (diapid) - antidiuretic hormone, counteracts the crash of stimulants
- All drugs are dangerous
- "wanting to change your consciousness is not a symptom of mental illness or an unhealthy need to escape from reality."
- "There are no good or bad drugs, only good or bad uses of drugs." [p180]
Is sugar a drug? Chocolate? - drug = any substances that in small amounts produces significant changes in the body, mind, or both. Difference between drug/poison is also unclear.
- What is "good" or "bad" is arbitrary between cultures
- "Most" view all nonmedical drugs other than alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine as bad
- North American Indians use peyote and tobacco, but consider alcohol a curse
- 1960s counterculture consider marijuana and psychedelics as good, but alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and other legal drugs as bad
- Yogis in India use marijuana, but teach that opiates and alcohol are harmful
- Muslims are ok with opiates, marijuana, khat, but not alcohol
- Early Muslim sects used coffee in rituals, but were against alcohol. Roman Catholic Church in 17th century used wine in rituals but were opposed to coffee
Stimulants
- Adrenal (latin) = epninephros (greek) = on the kidney
- Affect sympathetic nervous system, preparing body for fight/flight and suppress vital functions (e.g. hunger)
○ Caffeine: coffee, tea, kola nut, guarana, mate, cacao (also theobromine)
§ Bach was a coffee addict - wrote the "coffee cantata" in 1732 when coffee houses started to invade Europe. "Greatest of pleasures! Coffee, coffee, how I love its flavor, and if you would win my favor, yes! Yes! Let me have coffee, let me have my coffee strong"
○ Coca: simlar to caffeine but soothes the stomach and no jitteriness
§ 0.5% cocaine in coca leaves + many other alkaloids
§ Street cocaine is 60%. Similar to brewed beer or wine vs. distilled alcohol
§ Not very toxic - liver can detoxify every 30min
○ Amphetamines: structure similar to epinephrine / norepinephrine, but effects last 4hrs
§ Amphetamine (Benzedrine), Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), methamphetamine (Methedrine)
§ Reasons unknown why amphetamines have a calming effect in children
○ Tobacco/nicotine: one of most powerful / toxic, body quickly develops a tolerance very quickly (in hours)
§ Smoking destroys most of the nicotine
- Four exotic stimulant plants
○ Betel nut
○ Qat (khat, chat, miraa)
○ yohimbe
○ Ephedrine : similar chemical structure to epinephrine, but more anxiety / less euphoria
§ "Mormon tea"
- Advice on stimulants: keep limited, use purposefully, do not take to help perform ordinary functions (use as performance enhancing on special situations), take by mouth, take diluted forms, do not combine with depressants, avoid look-alikes/synthetics
Depressants
- Low doses cause people to feel stimulated, not fully understood why
- Sedative-Hypnotics:
○ Alcohol: From Macbeth: "it provokes and unprovokes, it provokes the desire but it takes away the performance"
○ Barbiturates / sleeping pills: barbituric acid, phenobarbital
○ Minor tranquilizers: benzodiazepines, less dangerous in combination with alcohol
§ Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax)
○ GHB (gammahydroxybutyrate) - metabolite of GABA
§ does not cause tolerance or addiction, stimulates pituitary gland to release GH
○ General anesthesia: chloroform (highly toxic), diethyl ether, N2O
- Narcotics: from the greek word meaning "stupor"
○ Opiates. Opium (milky juice from papaver pods) - brought to the west as laudanum
§ morphine - from Morpheus, greek god of dreams - more powerful IV or IM
§ Codeine (methylmorphine) - weaker than morphine but more orally active
§ High potential for addiction / tolearance.
○ Synthetic opiates: heroin, methadone. Treatment = substitution of one dependence for another
Psychedelics / Hallucinogens
- originally called psychomimetics in Europe on the belief that they made people temporarily insane
- Psychedelics = mind manifesting. Lowest potential for abuse. In huge overdoses do not kill
- Indoles - rapid acting (20-40mins with peak at 102hrs)
○ LSD / lysergic acid diamide (LSD-25 because of its effect at 25microgram dose). Only physiological danger is contraction of the uterus - avoid if pregnant
○ Morning Glory seeds - ergine / lysergic acid amide. Other alkaloids cause nausea, need to be extracted
○ Mushrooms / psilocybin - loophole in growing since the spores do not contain psilocybin
§ Does not consider amanita to be a hallucinogen - it's a deliriant
○ Ibogaine
○ DMT / 5-MeO-DMT - smoking toad venom destroys most of compounds except 5-MeO-DMT
§ DMT is destroyed in the stomach (without an MAOi)
§ Rapid development of tolerance if smoked regularly
○ Yage - high level of trial/error to figure out combination of Yage with DMT
- Hallucinogens related to epinephrine / amphetamines (no indole) - gradual onset but longer lasting
○ Peyote / mescaline - 0.5g dose for 10-12hrs
○ STP (DOM) - synthetic mescaline
○ MDA (methylenedixoyamphetamine) - 100-150mg dose for 10-12hrs
§ Chemically related to amphetamine, although it causes relaxation (love feelings). Rarely have visuals
○ MDMA (methylenedioxymethaamphetamine) - shorter duration than MDA, 125mg dose
§ High day-after fatigue
○ Designer psychedelics: MMDA, TMA, PMA, 2CB, 2CT2
Marijuana
- In a class by itself, cannabinoids resemble no other molecule
- Highly hydrophobic - absorbed unevenly when eaten, and stay in the body long due to accumulation in fat
- Very low toxicity, low danger in mixing
○ Highly toxic if contaminated with paraquat (herbicide intentionally used to poison fields)
- Tolerance occurs - gateway drug theory is unproven
Solvents / Inhalants / Deliriants
- Organic solvents - 15-30min high, fear of popularity among children
○ aerosol propellants (Freon)
○ Amyl nitrate - historically used to relieve heart pain as an inhalant. Lasts only a few minutes
§ Called poppers because come in cloth-covered glass capsules that "pop" when broken
§ Popular as a sex enhancer, especially among homosexual population
§ Safe / high ADME
○ Butyl nitrate and isobutyl nitrite
- Deliriants: differ from hallucinogens because of marked confusion / disorientation
○ Can lead to toxic psychosis if overdosed in the brain
○ Nightshades (jimsonweed, datura, belladonna, henbane)
§ Family of plants includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, and even tobacco
§ Contain scopolamine - poisonous in high doses. In low doses have been used in sleeping pills Even used in the past to make women amnesic to the pain of childbirth
§ Roots contain the least / are safest, seeds are the highest
§ Many physiological effects: fever, inability to focus eyes, rapid heart rate. 12-48hrs
§ Vivid hallucinations but also with some amnesia so hard to remember. More frightening / visions of monsters and devils than psychedelics
○ Amanita: traditionally used by tribes of Siberia. 30min onset, 4-8hr effect
§ Moderate doses - dreamy intoxication but physical discomfort due to toxicity.
§ Ibotenic acid and muscimol - similar to GABA
○ Nutmeg and mace (outer covering of the seed)
§ Contain myristicin, converted in the body to amphetamine-like psychedelics
§ Medium toxicity and heavy hangover. Unpleasant
- Dissociatives
○ PCP (phencyclidine) - originally marketed under Sernyl as an anesthetic. Many unpleasant side effects
§ Sold as "cannabinol" or synthetic THC (falsely)
§ 30min onset, 4-6hr duration, though oral doses last longer
§ Usually blank / rigid, but can result in agitation. Effects are not interesting nor productive
○ Ketamine - closely related to PCP, usually IV or IM
§ More useful dreamy state, without hyperactivity. Patients lie in peaceful dissociative states
Medical Drugs / Herbal Remedies
- Major tranquilizers: chloropromazine (Thorine), haloperidol (Haldol), fluophenazine (Prolixin)
○ for managing severe emotional disorders
○ Can be used to end bad reactions to psychedelic drugs
- Antidepressants: imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac)
○ Require 2 weeks regular use, high toxicity, can result in anxiety
- Lithium: serious toxicity, but can dampen manic episodes from mood swings
- Antihistamines: blocks histamine which causes allergic reactions but cause sedation
○ Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (dramamine), pyrilamine, doxylamine, etc.
- Corticosteroids: reduce inflammation and allergic reactions, mostly used topically
○ Cortisone, blocks cortisol release
○ Can produce euphoria as a side effect
- Anabolic steroids
- Cough suppressants
○ Hydrocodone, semisynthetic derivative of codeine
- GI drugs
○ Atropine considered in here
- Bronchodilators
○ Theophylline, one of the alkaloids of tea that is close to caffeine
- mild analgesics
○ Fill the gap between aspiring and morphine, opiate derivatives
- Herbal remedies
○ Valerian root: natural sedative
○ Kava-kava: herbal depressant
○ Ginseng: can be a stimulant or depressant
- Smart drugs (nootropics)
○ Pyrrolidone derivatives to enhance memory: piracetam, oxiracetam, aniracetam
○ DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) - weak androgenic effect, youthening effect
○ DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) - small amounts in fish
○ Hydergine - derived from ergot, for TBI. Improves memory/learning
○ Selegiline (eldepryl, deprenyl) - treatment of parkinsons. Wakens brain functions
○ Vasopressin (diapid) - antidiuretic hormone, counteracts the crash of stimulants
August 10, 2010
It's been a while since I read this book... what I liked most about it though, was not so much the writing style nor the information (although the information is great), but the paradigm shift that it created for me. Weil seems to believe that drugs are neither necessarily "good" nor "bad." What makes them either add to the quality of, or create havoc in, your life is your relationship to them (and with that established, he goes on to talk about different drugs, one by one - their characteristics and what kinds of "relationships" they can form with people). I appreciate this way of looking at things - I appreciate acknowledging that context matters.
June 15, 2022
A neutral account of the facts and practical advice. Should be a mandatory part of our education to minimise drug harm.
April 10, 2018
This is yet another book that has been languishing on my shelves and which I've finally gotten to and read. And, though I think Weil has often gone a bit too far in his 'alternative/complementary' approaches to medicine (to the point of pseudo-science) this early book of his co-written with Winifred Rosen walks a very rational and balanced line.
The first few chapters, Weil and Rosen take the time to explain "What Is a Drug?" as well as "Why People Use Drugs" and the various "Relationships with Drugs" people have or can have. This latter chapter is very important -- generally, and also for the writers' project in this book. They write that the black and white view of drugs as either "good" or "bad" has led to the notion that there are "drugs of abuse" while, they convincingly argue: "To say that the use of a drug of abuse is circular and meaningless. We think that the use of any drug becomes abusive when it threatens a person's health or impairs social or economic functioning."
Such a reasoned approach can see the reality that while there are indeed some who can use cocaine -- for instance -- recreationally and non-abusively, cigarette smokers with respiratory disease who continue to smoke are clearly abusing tobacco. "On the other hand," they write, "any drug can be used in a non-abusive fashion, even if it is illegal or disapproved. There are many people who consume tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, and heroin without abusing them; that is, they remain healthy and fulfill their social and economic obligations." The point is that drug abuse isn't about what the drug being used happens to be but rather drug abuse is a descriptor of a dysfunctional relationship with the drug.
The core of the book looks at "Types of Drugs" including "Stimulants," "Depressants," "Psychedelics, or Hallucinogens," "Marijuana," "Solvents and Inhalants; Deliriants; PCP and Ketamine," and "Medical Drugs; Herbal Remedies; Smart Drugs." The final chapters looks at the "Problems with Drugs" as well as "Alternatives to Taking Drugs" which includes meditation, yoga and athletics. And even here, we must remain aware that there can indeed be abusive relationships to yoga, meditation and athletics. In fact, in the "Appendix: First-Person Accounts and Comments" there are personal testimonials from people who may be considered to have abusive relationships to running and fireworks!
In summation, an interesting read and a good resource for anyone interested in drug culture, whether pro or con.
The first few chapters, Weil and Rosen take the time to explain "What Is a Drug?" as well as "Why People Use Drugs" and the various "Relationships with Drugs" people have or can have. This latter chapter is very important -- generally, and also for the writers' project in this book. They write that the black and white view of drugs as either "good" or "bad" has led to the notion that there are "drugs of abuse" while, they convincingly argue: "To say that the use of a drug of abuse is circular and meaningless. We think that the use of any drug becomes abusive when it threatens a person's health or impairs social or economic functioning."
Such a reasoned approach can see the reality that while there are indeed some who can use cocaine -- for instance -- recreationally and non-abusively, cigarette smokers with respiratory disease who continue to smoke are clearly abusing tobacco. "On the other hand," they write, "any drug can be used in a non-abusive fashion, even if it is illegal or disapproved. There are many people who consume tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, and heroin without abusing them; that is, they remain healthy and fulfill their social and economic obligations." The point is that drug abuse isn't about what the drug being used happens to be but rather drug abuse is a descriptor of a dysfunctional relationship with the drug.
The core of the book looks at "Types of Drugs" including "Stimulants," "Depressants," "Psychedelics, or Hallucinogens," "Marijuana," "Solvents and Inhalants; Deliriants; PCP and Ketamine," and "Medical Drugs; Herbal Remedies; Smart Drugs." The final chapters looks at the "Problems with Drugs" as well as "Alternatives to Taking Drugs" which includes meditation, yoga and athletics. And even here, we must remain aware that there can indeed be abusive relationships to yoga, meditation and athletics. In fact, in the "Appendix: First-Person Accounts and Comments" there are personal testimonials from people who may be considered to have abusive relationships to running and fireworks!
In summation, an interesting read and a good resource for anyone interested in drug culture, whether pro or con.
April 14, 2020
Wow - the last time I finished a book in two days must have been more than 10 years ago :)
It's absolutely great. I first heard Andrew on the "Tim Ferriss show" podcast, where his reasonableness over his wild experiences just blew my mind, and there he recommended this book, which I bought and ignored because it looks old...
All the more for a treat I was in! The book reads super easily - in fact, right off the bat authors say they intend it to be readable by the teenagers who often have to confront all the uncertainties around the drugs without any reliable source of information. And good information helps to make better choices!
I don't want to spoil too much, I'd recommend this book to absolutely everyone! Below I'd just provide some topics that this book brings as a more general theme.
1. "High" state is produced by our own brain. Drugs just trigger it, or give us an excuse to notice. You don't have to use drugs - every person can find highs in different things: surfing, signing, meditating... Drugs could be valuable in certain situations though; additionally they can make it easier unlock what's possible inside your brain.
2. Drugs are neither good nor bad; it's the abuse that's bad. One can abuse legal or illegal drugs - legality does not make them any less harmful. Many a drug got a very bad rep not because of its chemical properties but because of the typical users. Some of the really bad drugs are tolerated because only wealthy and responsible adults can afford it.
3. Obviously, don't smoke cigarettes - that's just stupid, there are better drugs :)
4. Some drugs cause addiction, chemically (withdrawal symptoms, e.g. heroin). Some other don't (e.g. marijuana). Even though anything could lead to a dependence: pot, TV, reading. While it's hard to break the dependence, we are free to to choose our dependencies, and usually can easily substitute one for another.
And heaps more of really interesting thoughts, on top of the thorough description of every specific drug, legal or not, that you've ever heard of!
It's absolutely great. I first heard Andrew on the "Tim Ferriss show" podcast, where his reasonableness over his wild experiences just blew my mind, and there he recommended this book, which I bought and ignored because it looks old...
All the more for a treat I was in! The book reads super easily - in fact, right off the bat authors say they intend it to be readable by the teenagers who often have to confront all the uncertainties around the drugs without any reliable source of information. And good information helps to make better choices!
I don't want to spoil too much, I'd recommend this book to absolutely everyone! Below I'd just provide some topics that this book brings as a more general theme.
1. "High" state is produced by our own brain. Drugs just trigger it, or give us an excuse to notice. You don't have to use drugs - every person can find highs in different things: surfing, signing, meditating... Drugs could be valuable in certain situations though; additionally they can make it easier unlock what's possible inside your brain.
2. Drugs are neither good nor bad; it's the abuse that's bad. One can abuse legal or illegal drugs - legality does not make them any less harmful. Many a drug got a very bad rep not because of its chemical properties but because of the typical users. Some of the really bad drugs are tolerated because only wealthy and responsible adults can afford it.
3. Obviously, don't smoke cigarettes - that's just stupid, there are better drugs :)
4. Some drugs cause addiction, chemically (withdrawal symptoms, e.g. heroin). Some other don't (e.g. marijuana). Even though anything could lead to a dependence: pot, TV, reading. While it's hard to break the dependence, we are free to to choose our dependencies, and usually can easily substitute one for another.
And heaps more of really interesting thoughts, on top of the thorough description of every specific drug, legal or not, that you've ever heard of!
Read
December 26, 2020Я її дочитала десь на 30%.
Книжка написала десь вкінці 80-тих, і авторів дуже блеймили що вони пропагують наркотики.
Тому ці чуваки не хотіли проблем і на початку кожного грьобаного розділу роблять disclaimers типу "наркотики це погано, навчіться менеджити себе без наркотиків".
Я читала щоб дізнатись щось про алкалоїди, але мене це вже не цікавить.
Мене колись цікавив кальян, знайомі сказали що це погано для легень, я тоді не спробувала, a зараз вже не хочеться.
Якщо не шоколад, то кава / зелений чай - стимулянти.
Якщо забагато стимулянтів, то потім вінішко - депресанти.
... (censored) ...
Загалом, це цікава книжка, але якось іншим разом)
Книжка написала десь вкінці 80-тих, і авторів дуже блеймили що вони пропагують наркотики.
Тому ці чуваки не хотіли проблем і на початку кожного грьобаного розділу роблять disclaimers типу "наркотики це погано, навчіться менеджити себе без наркотиків".
Я читала щоб дізнатись щось про алкалоїди, але мене це вже не цікавить.
Мене колись цікавив кальян, знайомі сказали що це погано для легень, я тоді не спробувала, a зараз вже не хочеться.
Якщо не шоколад, то кава / зелений чай - стимулянти.
Якщо забагато стимулянтів, то потім вінішко - депресанти.
... (censored) ...
Загалом, це цікава книжка, але якось іншим разом)
September 1, 2017
I really liked the resilience-based approach that this book takes. It covers the basics of many psychoactive drugs (stimulants, depressants, antipsychotics, psychedelics) including pharmaceutical, over the counter, herbal, and industrial formulations. What I don't like is that it seems like it is written for an early teenager to read, although I know zero teens who will want to read this book. I was hoping for more of an in depth perspective of how drugs affect our society, but instead was slightly disappointed with a "what are drugs and how to take them safely" manual.
June 15, 2022
A solid, if slightly dated, overview of all kinds of psychogenic drugs. Does a great job of breaking down what drugs do and don't do and deconstructing some of the myths around particular drugs. I appreciated the "no drugs are bad" approach. Some may have little to offer, but it's the culture around drugs and the abuse of drugs that may carry a negative tint - most drugs have something to offer to the right person at the right time.
Oh, and our bodies produce some of the same drugs considered "bad" and foods are often some of the most addictive drugs.
Oh, and our bodies produce some of the same drugs considered "bad" and foods are often some of the most addictive drugs.
January 30, 2022
4.1
This book and some fascinating insights and at the same time tenets that I found opinionated. I’ve experimented with drugs for the past 4 years of my life so I can attest to some of the information found in the book and also debate against some of the precepts. Educational read overall.
This book and some fascinating insights and at the same time tenets that I found opinionated. I’ve experimented with drugs for the past 4 years of my life so I can attest to some of the information found in the book and also debate against some of the precepts. Educational read overall.
Read
March 16, 2023There are some sentences/sentiments in here that really show the book and author’s age, and some takes I disagree with, but I would still recommend this book to literally everyone. Super easy and interesting to read. In all of my exposure to these topics I have never seen drugs discussed with such genuine neutrality.
July 5, 2024
Definitely a great resource for all manner of mind altering drugs. Maybe too much information- don’t think I would hand this over to a middle or high school aged youth. The chapter on first hand experiences was very weird. Some of the stories just made me think yikes! 😳 just say no to drugs - a cliche , but probably the best bet!
June 5, 2025
pretty good for an assigned reading. research is a bit outdated since this was published in the 80s but would recommend for entertaining bants with stoner friends.
now brb while i go lick a sonoran desert toad
now brb while i go lick a sonoran desert toad
September 25, 2018
Lots of valuable information, but doesn’t go very in depth on every chapter/section
March 30, 2020
Finally had time to finish this book that I started years ago! Unemployed until further notice (Dental Hygienist) Gave me some new & valuable information even though it is an older book.
August 17, 2020
The author didn't discuss sugar and chocolate in detail, which was the main reason why I wanted to read the book. Reading another perspective and cultural commentary was eye-opening.
January 7, 2021
Fascinating book. Everyone should read it. More information than any doctor would ever give you about the the truth of things.
August 21, 2021
Comprehensive, free of judgment, full of science, if a bit dated in specific anecdotes, slang terms, and cultural references.
February 11, 2024
I learned a lot while in college.
February 13, 2026
Интересно и обогатяващо четиво, смело написано и същевременно подкрепено с доста факти и изследвания, отварящи очите за много неща.
April 17, 2017
Indispensable guide that should be required reading. I read it for work, but- like all of his books, in my experience- it feels flowing and accessible; enjoyable. Rarely lacking, and when it is, tons of alternate resources are given for further research.
June 27, 2024
I'm glad I have a good relationship with chocolate...and no bad relationships with anything else mentioned.
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