The Chemistry of Mind-Altering Drugs: History, Pharmacology, and Cultural Context 1st Edition

Although this text is from 1996 it still is an absolute must have for anyone that works with Psychotropic Drugs or Patients that use or abuse them or that are prescribed them.Perrine gives an entertaining and elucidating account of the genesis of all the classes of mind altering drugs. Moreover, the book coherently explains the historical and cultural aspects surrounding the discovery and development of new drugs in each class of psychotropic compounds.Included, are some detailed accounts- sometimes tragic- of serendipitous yet monumental discoveries in psychopharmacology. A case in point is that of a graduate student intent on the clandestine chemical synthesis of a psychotropic compound. Inadvertently, he ended up with a contaminated product MPP+ which led to his untimely death and the death of others. Yet, this lab mishap ended up having profound implications for understanding the neurochemical mechanisms involved in Parkinson's Disease.A definite must have... I just wish an updated edition could be published!

One of the best books on psychedelics I have read so far, then actually chemistry was a little beyond my knowledge, but the book is very informative

Obligatory classic and unique on blend chemistry, pharmacology and social/historical context. Also deals the drug abuse in a clear and honest way and don't fall in the trap of the politicaly correct the plagues the drug abuse issue. It is sincere and still a good reference.

This book has it all, chemistry, cultural context, use, abuse, past, present and future. Is geared toward someone who has at least taken some o-chem, although non-science types could still get something out of it. The synthesis explanations can be a bit in depth, I have a degree in chemistry and a bit of that was way over my head. Book is also well refrenced, so should you ever get the urge to make some of these drugs you know where to go.

I took Dr. Perrine's "Chemistry of Mind-Altering Drugs" undergraduate course at Loyola University and this is the classroom textbook! It is a discussion of the scientific, social, cultural, and religious implications of psychotropic drug activity. But a science background isn't required in order to understand or appreciate it.

Very complete, encyclopedic review on the topic.

Even though this was billed as a "used" book, upon recieving it, it appears to be brand new to me!

I had to read this book for class and couldn't put it down. Perrine writes in such a way that can make any subject engrossing. Not only does he describe the effects of various substances, he also explains how they occur at the molecular level. Something most books about drugs don't do. He even discussed cultural elements, and some parts are quite humorous. It is not preachy or designed to scare and exaggerate like many books on the subject are. This book seems to be slightly biased in favor of some substances (most notably cannabis) but most of the book is about as objective as one can get, showing warts and all. You will certainly not want to run out and snort cocaine or shoot heroin or trip on acid after reading this book. But you may question the rationale as to why some substances are legal and others are not. The biggest downside is that it has not been updated since 1996, and much new information about mind-altering substances has been gained in the past 13 years. For example, we now know how DXM works on the brain as a dissociative (similar to PCP and ketamine--don't try this at home!), and back then Perrine (and others) assumed that the "trip" was just a placebo effect. He also did not mention any of the deliriants (anticholinergics), nor did he talk about Salvia. I would like to see a new edition sometime soon, preferably with better proofreading and organization, as well as more information added. A good complement to this book would "The Biochemical Basis of Neuropharmacology" by Cooper, Bloom, and Roth. Though that one is not quite as interesting as this book.If he were to update the book, I recommend that he break up the miscellaneous "Dissociatives and Cannabinoids" chapter into "Dissociatives and Deliriants," "Cannabis and Cannabinoids," and have an additional chapter for those that don't fit either. There are also many new substances to add as well.

Ein Buch, das umfassend über die Wikrungsweise, Zusammensetzung, Synthese und den kulturellen Hintergrund verschiedenster Drogen und Medikamente informiert. Ausführliche Quellenangaben sind ebenso selbstverständlich wie neutrale, moralfreie Wissensvermittlung. Eine gelungene Übersicht, die allerdings an ihre Grenzen stößt, sobald man der einen oder anderen Substanz mehr auf den Grund gehen will. Bestimmte Substanzen werden ausführlicher behandelt als andere. Es werden auch nur wenige exotische Substanzen und "Legal Highs" angesprochen.Für sich genommen ein exzellentes Buch mit Informationen, die man z.T. nicht im Geschwinde findet. Man wird es aber durch weitere Quellen ergänzen wollen, je nachdem, ob man in Richtung Pharmakologie/Physiologie oder Chemie vertiefen möchte.

What a comprehensive resource. Surely some information is dated, especially with recent research into marijuana as it has been lined up for legalization, but for many drugs there have been few recent advances in our understanding of them, making this book still up-to-date. It is detailed, cited, and comprehensive.It covers 2C-x and DOx compounds, albeit in summary, which in my opinion alone speaks to its comprehensiveness, as other books that I've seen have given nary a cursory mention of these.