Edwards presents a radical approach to the much-debated question of drug control. Arguing for a consideration of all drugs, from valium to crack cocaine, as more than its chemical structure, he expands the idea that the effect of a drug is just as dependent on the social setting and psychology of the individual.
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'Griffith Edwards's wide ranging account of the past and future of drug policy is filled with surprising facts' -- The Telegraph, June 26, 2004
About the Author
Griffith Edwards has advised the Department of Health, the Home Office and the Cabinet Office on aspects of drug and alcohol policy, alongside advising the WHO. He set up research projects in Africa and Latin America and in the USA has acted as consultant to the White House Office in drug abuse. His books have been translated into 12 different languages. He lives in Greenwich, London.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
By Brian
Format:Paperback
Not sure how available this book is but if you can get a copy you will find a calm, revealling and original exploration into the question of legalisation. A great read even for those with a casual interest.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3.0 out of 5 stars
2 reviews
4 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's very helpful to view drugs in ecological terms. Great book.
23 Feb 2007
By Paul Grant
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Matters of Substance is the most insightful book I've ever read on drugs. Edwards never inflames, and never understates. He looks far and wide at many cultures and countries, and never lets popular myths or received attitudes dictate his opinions.
On cannabis, for instance, he stands resolutely against the libertarian stream and points out hypocrisy on the left between nicotine and cannabis attitudes. With cocaine, on the other hand, he lays much of the blame for the epidemic of the 1980s on the medical community, who over-prescribed the drug in powder form in the 50s, creating an environment ready for a designer drug.
On cannabis, for instance, he stands resolutely against the libertarian stream and points out hypocrisy on the left between nicotine and cannabis attitudes. With cocaine, on the other hand, he lays much of the blame for the epidemic of the 1980s on the medical community, who over-prescribed the drug in powder form in the 50s, creating an environment ready for a designer drug.
9 of 15 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
One-sided and ill-informed
3 Jan 2006
By T. Allen
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
In the "war on drugs" most people take one of two fairly radical positions: either drugs are evil and should be completely banned, or are wonderful and don't really do much harm. Both positions are usually very poorly informed. I bought this book hoping to find a well-informed, balanced look at drugs. Unfortunately, this is another poorly informed, biased take by someone who obviously knows little about drugs aside what one could learn from a decent encyclopedia. It is decidedly anti-drug, and completely fails to examine why people would choose to use drugs. Edwards provides plenty of anti-drug statistics, but, when lacking legitimate backing, also reverts to anecdotes and unfounded generalizations to reach his conclusions that governments should do everything in their power to outlaw and discourage use of all drugs excepting caffeine. If you want decent information and any semblance of balance, look elsewhere.
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