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Drug Use for Grown-Ups
- Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear
- Narrated by: Dr. Carl L. Hart
- Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
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Summary
From one of the world's foremost experts on the subject, a powerful argument that the greatest damage from drugs flows from their being illegal, and a hopeful reckoning with the possibility of their use as part of a responsible and happy life.
Dr. Carl L. Hart, Ziff professor at Columbia University and former chair of the Department of Psychology, is one of the world's preeminent experts on the effects of so-called recreational drugs on the human mind and body. Dr. Hart is open about the fact that he uses drugs himself, in a happy balance with the rest of his full and productive life as a colleague, husband, father, and friend.
In Drug Use for Grown-Ups, he draws on decades of research and his own personal experience to argue definitively that the criminalization and demonization of drug use - not drugs themselves - have been a tremendous scourge on America, not least in reinforcing this country's enduring structural racism.
Dr. Hart did not always have this view. He came of age in one of Miami's most troubled neighborhoods at a time when many ills were being laid at the door of crack cocaine. His initial work as a researcher was aimed at proving that drug use caused bad outcomes. But one problem kept cropping up: The evidence from his research did not support his hypothesis. From inside the massively well-funded research arm of the American war on drugs, he saw how the facts did not support the ideology. The truth was dismissed and distorted in order to keep fear and outrage stoked, the funds rolling in, and Black and Brown bodies behind bars.
Drug Use for Grown-Ups will be controversial, to be sure: The propaganda war, Dr. Hart argues, has been tremendously effective. Imagine if the only subject of any discussion about driving automobiles was fatal car crashes. Drug Use for Grown-Ups offers a radically different vision: When used responsibly, drugs can enrich and enhance our lives. We have a long way to go, but the vital conversation this book will generate is an extraordinarily important step.
This audiobook includes a PDF of figures and an appendix from the book.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Critic reviews
One of Behavioral Scientist's Best Books of the Year
“[Hart's] positions may seem quite extreme to some but they also, by and large, make a lot of sense - and are backed up by ample research.... A major reason drugs have such a negative public image, Hart asserts, is racism...eye-opening.” (NPR.org)
“Hart’s argument that we need to drastically revise our current view of illegal drugs is both powerful and timely...when it comes to the legacy of this country’s war on drugs, we should all share his outrage.” (The New York Times Book Review)
“One of the most thought-provoking reads I’ve had the pleasure of exploring in a long time....” (Trevor Noah, The Daily Show)
What listeners say about Drug Use for Grown-Ups
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- Mr M P Winder
- 20-02-21
Good insight from a profesional in this field.
I reccommend this to anybody whether they use drugs or not. It hopefully will help people see that more deaths occur when substances are illegal but making them illegal can secure massive funding.
Now that I have read this i will not judge somebody based on their use of drugs or the specific drug they use. I did believe the message that crack and heroine users were all addicts that needed help, Dr Hart has evidence to suggest this is not the case.
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- Marcel Atteen
- 26-03-21
game changer
this book is amazing, emightening and made me change my mind on the topic of drugs.
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- E.S. Thomas
- 15-05-21
Author reading made it even better
This book was better than expected. The beginning chapters included the usual arguments against drug prohibition, given additional weight due to the author’s expertise. However, the latter chapters, each of which was focused on a different type of drug, were interesting, informative, relatable and touching. Have Dr Hart read the book and hearing his emphasis on words really helped he emotion to come through. 5 stars.
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- Mr. M. S. Rayner
- 28-03-21
Amazing book from a very brave man.
I wish I could find a way to support Carl's mission. I hope this books supports a catalyst for change globally, and for true democracy.
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- Anonymous User
- 17-02-21
Science for drugs that works in life
OMG, this is a masterpiece. A must have for researchers and users of any drug.
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- Anónimo_más
- 10-02-21
A must read book
If you want authentic, scientific and reliable information about drugs, effects and risks, this is a good source.
There is also much about racism, but it kinda goes with the context of the stereotypes created against drugs in general. Overall, I think this is a great book and I really thank the author for his honesty
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- michael wheatley
- 13-03-21
Interesting and insightful - it’s time for change
I am aligned to the important messages of this book. For too long myths about drug use have been pushed for a particular cause. It doesn’t have to be this way and this book describes why and how. I learned a lot from it (and High Price) and will share the insights and information. It’s time we approach drugs with a different mindset. It’s time for change in our pursuit of happiness. Highly recommend this book.
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- Anonymous User
- 16-02-21
Finally!!
Finally someone with the weight is saying what so many people knew !!
Can’t see anything changes because of this book but..
RESPECT!!
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- Jaroslava P.
- 19-10-21
great book on a subject
if you really want to learn anything about drugs, Dr.Carl L.Hart is the person to learn from! absolutely love his approach to the subject!
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- Ga
- 05-07-23
Excellent piece of literature
Essential piece of reading for anyone in uni studying addiction, mental health, psychology or similar.
The truth is out there
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