Pursuit of Oblivion, The: A Global History of Narcotics [Hardcover]

The distrust of drug use _by others_ seems universal, but _Pursuit_ gives, in its monumental length, remarkable stories of use in specific instances. Such details as these make reading _Pursuit_, with all its bulk, a hugely entertaining and enjoyable activity (recommended to all hedonists). It is good to see that the use of drugs crosses all times and all cultures. Davenport-Hines also makes the reading easy because, although there is a definite point of view to the book, it is much more a history rather than a polemic. But he does demonstrate that virtually every attempt to enforce particular prohibitions has increased drug profits and drug use. A president of Columbia explained, "The only law the narcoterrorists don't break is the law of supply and demand." Prohibitionists can't break that one, either. Some of the specific tactics of the current war on drugs are shown to be silly and short-sighted. It would be different if these actions were making drugs unattractive, decreasing jail populations, and increasing the overall general health, but we do not see that happening.

Davenport-Hines shows the advantages of the Dutch system. Making marijuana and hashish available in coffee shops, for instance, lowered use of the drug, and separated cannabis and heroin suppliers. Intravenous drug use is treated as a chronic, relapsing condition, and social and medical services are made available, such as needle-exchange programs and sale of syringes without a prescription. By such means, the heroin addict population is simply growing older and new recruits are not joining their ranks. It is, of course, not certain that such steps would work in the American atmosphere, and it is even less certain that American puritanism would allow anything like them. But _The Pursuit of Oblivion_, comprehensive and well-referenced, makes clear that anti-drug policy now is little different than what has been tried for hundreds of years, and is just as unsuccessful. This is the sort of book that anyone involved in making drug policy, including those who vote for policy-makers, ought to be reading.

Using drugs to induce euphoria, reduce anxiety, control pain, increase physical and mental energy, and alter perceptions are, according to the author, natural activities in human experience. Richard Davenport-Hines, a highly regarded historian claims prohibition of illicit substances is a bad idea. He argues that craving the drug is what drives users to criminal behavior and if the illegal supply of drugs was legalized and made available there would be no need for the expensive and ineffective strategies of enforced abstinence and the punitive treatment of users.

Whether you agree with legalization or not, the history of drug-taking over the last 500 years is fascinating. His presentation of the material and the provocative argument against prohibition will create a variety of reactions. It will anger those who believe drug use is a moral plague attacking and destroying society. It will please those who require rationalization for legalization and are exhausted by the futility of the ineffective strategies in the War on Drugs and "Just Say No" campaign.

Regardless of how you feel about legalization, if you wonder about drug use, its origins, its effects on individuals and societies, its manufacture, marketing, and distribution, you will be enthralled with THE PURSUIT OF OBLIVION. It is Highly Recommended.