Intoxication: Self, State and Society

This textbook provides a comprehensive exploration of the role of intoxication in contemporary society, from social and cultural perspectives. It examines intoxication in the broadest sense, including legal and illegal substances and culturally accepted and socially stigmatized practices. It adopts a multi-scale approach to examine wider patterns of change and considers the subjective experiences of intoxication, the construction of diverse identities, and the role of the state, other individuals, and institutions in propagating and challenging common sense explanations. It is suitable for undergraduates, master's students, and above, with a range of pedagogic features and offers insights into policy and practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This textbook offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the multifaceted phenomenon of intoxication in contemporary society, encompassing both legal and illegal substances and practices, as well as those that are culturally accepted and stigmatized. Given the rapid pace of recent policy and practice changes, such as the legalization of cannabis and the growing trend of sobriety among adolescents and young adults, this book stands out as a valuable resource. It provides a thorough historical and theoretical overview, as well as a topical and forward-looking exploration of current debates. The authors adopt a multi-scale approach to examine broader patterns of change, considering the subjective experiences of intoxication in the lives of individuals and groups, the construction of diverse identities, and how these experiences vary by age, gender, and ethnicity.

Particular attention is paid to how the state justifies interventions based on moral, health, and criminal justice discourses, as well as the role played by other individuals and institutions, such as the mass media and the alcohol industry, in propagating and challenging common sense explanations of intoxication. The textbook is designed to appeal to undergraduates, master's students, and above, with a range of pedagogic features, and offers insights into policy and practice.

In conclusion, this textbook provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the role of intoxication in contemporary society, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between social, cultural, and legal factors. Its multi-scale approach and attention to the subjective experiences of intoxication make it an essential resource for students, scholars, and policymakers alike.

Weight: 405g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031191701
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023