This engaging and thoroughly updated text provides a cross-national perspective on the use and regulation of both legal and illegal drugs. It examines and critiques drug policies in the United States and abroad in terms of their scope, goals, and effectiveness. Authors Clayton J. Mosher and Scott Akins also discuss the physiological, psychological, and behavioral effects of legal and illicit drugs; the patterns and correlates of use; theories of the causes of drug use; and the policies that govern that usage.

Features and Benefits

• Thoroughly reviews use of and regulation policies of both illegal and legal drugs, including the use of energy drinks and muscle enhancers like steroids and human growth hormones.
• Very up to date statistics and discussions of emerging trends and policies.
• Provides more coverage of drug policy issues than comparable books with particular attention to contrasting policies in countries around the world.
• Coverage of drug "epidemics" for new legal and illegal drugs not found in other books on drugs.