Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Substances

by Richard Rudgley

Despite great public interest in the use and abuse of psychoactive substances this is the first comprehensive and reliable book on this fascinating and controversial topic. The encyclopedia covers the entire range of naturally occurring psychoactive species, and also a great number of man-made synthetic drugs and compounds. It explores the use of intoxicating plants by Neanderthal man through to the role of hallucinogens and narcotics in contemporary youth culture. It provides basic details on the botany and chemistry of intoxicants, and examines their influence at all levels of our culture and society. The book also tackles controversial issues such as legalisation and details the legal classification of illicit substances alongside additional relevant information on detection, prevention, punishment and other criminological subjects.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History, Drugs

313 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 1998

Reviews

[Lowarn Gutierrez]

Informative, drawing upon a lot of sources, and written with a dry sense of humour that makes it entertaining, too.

[Evelyn]

It's impossible to cram in a full history of psychoactive substances within such few pages, however, the author has done an excellent job at introducing a concise A-Z list of them to the beginner reader. A great starting point for research and a fun book to dip in and out of when curiosity comes calling. The bibliography at the back is brilliant for further reading tips.

[Deborah Krous]

Eye opening.