Drugs & Society

Drugs & Society, 14th Edition, provides a multidisciplinary examination of drug use, misuse, and policy for college students across public health, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, and social work. Authors Glen R. Hanson, Peter J. Venturelli, and Annette E. Fleckenstein integrate pharmacological science, psychological theory, sociological analysis, and public policy perspectives to explain substance use dynamics.

This edition addresses changing legal frameworks and chemical developments. It covers state legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, explicitly detailing Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Additional thematic coverage ranges from synthetic drugs such as Spice and K2 to marijuana wax, current vaping patterns, and steroid abuse in professional sports.

Specialized feature boxes, including Hold the Line, Case in Point, Here and Now, Family Matters, Prescription for Abuse, and Point/Counterpoint, connect academic principles to real-world scenarios. The textbook offers structured support for undergraduate courses examining the biopsychosocial aspects of chemical dependency.