Author: Peter J. Cohen
The use and abuse of psychotropic (mind-altering) drugs is an integral part of the human experience. Society has long viewed substance abuse through many eyes:
criminal activity, moral failing, illness and disability, or simply the exercise of
individual liberty. Nonetheless, whether the drugs involved are "legal" or "illicit, " substance abuse is a major public health hazard. Author Peter Cohen offers a thorough and thoughtful discussion of the major legal, ethical, and
policy considerations that society faces as it deals with substance abuse and dependence (addiction). Several major areas will be addressed: (1) the differences and similarities between "legal" and "scientific" reasoning