Quick Fixes: Drugs in America from Prohibition to the 21st Century Binge

The United States is experiencing a world-historic drug binge, with consumption of opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, marijuana, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other substances increasing in the twenty-first century. This contradiction between America's love for and hatred of drugs has been one of its defining characteristics for over a century. Quick Fixes examines Americans' fraught relationship with psychoactive substances, exploring how society changes and affects the development and spread of medications and narcotics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

Americans are currently experiencing a historic drug binge, with consumption of opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, marijuana, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other substances increasing significantly in the twenty-first century. This phenomenon is accompanied by the world's largest prison system, partly justified by the ongoing war on drugs. In his book, Quick Fixes: How Drugs Have Shaped American Society, author Fong delves into the complex relationship between America and psychoactive substances, examining their historical development, functions, and societal impact.

The book spans nine chapters, each dedicated to the modern history of a specific drug or class of drugs. By tracing the evolution of these substances and their relationship with American society, Fong explores how societal changes, such as stress, isolation, and alienation, shape the development and spread of medications and narcotics among the populace.

Through his comprehensive analysis, Fong aims to provide a sober and insightful perspective on the role of drugs in American society. He challenges the prevailing narratives and offers a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between drugs, culture, and society. By examining the histories, functions, and experiences of our chemical companions, Fong seeks to help answer the enduring question: what does it mean to be an American in the age of drugs?

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between drugs, society, and American identity. It provides a comprehensive historical and sociological analysis that sheds light on the societal challenges and opportunities posed by drug use in the United States. Whether you are a policymaker, educator, healthcare professional, or simply curious about the impact of drugs on our society, Quick Fixes offers valuable insights and perspectives that will help you better understand the complexities of this issue.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 147 x 219 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804290170