On Drugs

About this book

A critical exploration of the users perspective on drug consciousness-now in paperback! Engaging articulate and brilliantly argued On Drugs is destined to become a revolutionary classic that redefines what it means to be high. Calling for the acceptance of a diversity of consciousness Lenson delivers a searing critique of the War on Drugs as an effort based like all attempts to eradicate getting high on an incomplete understanding of human nature. In lucid prose Lenson ventures outside the conventional genres of drug writing and offers a new look at the drug debate from a lost and often forbidden point of view: the users. Walking a fine line between the antidrug hysteria of the 1980s and an uncritical advocacy of drug use he describes in provocative detail the experiences and dynamics of drugs of pleasure and desire-from nicotine to marijuana alcohol to LSD and caffeine to cocaine. From lotus-eaters to hippies to crackheads history has shown the states inability to legislate the bloodstreams of its citizens. After considering several specific issues associated with drug use-including sex violence and money-On Drugs asks what drugs really do and challenges societys accepted notions of sobriety and addiction. Lenson concludes with his vision of the end of the War on Drugs by questioning the sense in condemning millions of Americans to lives of concealment and deceit.