Heroin Century

by Tom Carnwath, Ian Smith

Heroin is a drug that myths are made of. Whether smuggled in the stomach of a camel or used as the ultimate symbol of lifestyle chic, no drug has been more argued over and legislated against, no drug has been more subject to misinformation and moral panic.
Heroin Century sets the record straight. It contains a wealth of historical and medical information about this drug which made its first appearance as a miracle medicine over a hundred years ago and makes recommendations for its future in the twenty-first century. Evidence shows that heroin is dangerous principally because it is illegal. The authors argue that a more relaxed relationship between society and the drug would benefit both the economy and public health and safely.
Individual chapters describe the history of heroin production; the makeup of heroin and evolving methods of use; the spread of heroin and international efforts at control; typical "career" patterns of users, ranging from occasional recreational use to destructive dependence; the subjective experience of taking heroin; the association between heroin and crime; the use of heroin in medicine and its effects on physical health; the history of the treatment of heroin dependence; and likely changes in heroin use in the future. The authors have drawn on literary and artistic sources as well as the large pool of scientific literature to compile a comprehensive and fascinating account of this world-changing drug.

Heroin Century makes available a wealth of information about the history, chemistry, pharmacology and medical aspects of heroin in a form accessible to anyone who wishes to participate in the contemporary debate bout society's attitude to drugs.

Genres: Drugs

228 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Fergus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book, which I read in one sitting. The history and culture of the heroin is set out in compelling fashion, and without glamourising the drug, this book leaves you questioning the way it has been portrayed as the ultimate evil. Fascinating stuff

[Sam Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are open minded, you love this

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is full of interesting information on almost every page. the authors, one a doctor, when a therapist former heroin addict argue that heroin is more dangerous as an illegal drug than legal. they believe that although the drug is dangerous and the world would be better if it never existed it is not nearly as dangerous as it is portrayed. that much of its danger actually stems from it being an illegal substance. that were it decriminalized much of that danger would be minimilized.
they make a pretty convincing case full of anecdotes and statistics about the relative safety of heroin vs the myths especially compared with more socially accepted drugs like alcohol.
however the authors believe that within ten years heroin actually WILL become decriminalized. while their case was strong, it has been maybe six years since the book was published and i have yet to notice any decrease in the stigma attached to heroin

[The Elf of the Ostfront Harlot of Eros Hannahlore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courtwright as always displays for all to see the evil of propaganda as anti drug ills still lay claim to society , I consider professor Courtwright to be the foremost authority on historical addiction and drug culture in the world . All of the works and his personal blog are excellent I would die to be his student ! Anyways if you as are I am a heroin user and pro all drug legalization because drug use is a human right , than you will love this intelligent thoughtful professor and experts form of stating eloquently the true facts about heroine and the lives of those whom used I would read this in par with Courtwrights true opus “ Addicts who survived “ life histories of opiate Users At NYCs dole and nyswander founded methadone clinic in the 1980s. It is a very lovely read and the best compliant to Heroin century . Thank you !