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Neil Carrier,Lisa L. Gezon

The Anthropology of Drugs

The Anthropology of Drugs

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  • More about The Anthropology of Drugs

The Anthropology of Drugs is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the anthropology of drugs, exploring how drugs feature in cultures, identities, economies, and livelihoods. It examines the biochemical and pharmacological approaches to drugs, evolutionary origins of psychotropic drug sensitivity, spiritual and religious contexts, stimulant drugs, addiction and dependency, drug economies, livelihoods, and drug policies. The book includes chapter summaries, examples, further reading, and case studies, making it an ideal resource for students and professionals in anthropology and related disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd


Drugs have played a significant role in the cultures, identities, economies, and livelihoods of societies throughout history. In recognition of this importance, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the anthropology of drugs. The authors examine and assess a range of key topics, including:

How drugs feature in anthropology and the work of anthropologists, as well as the broader role of drugs in society.

The comparison between biochemical and pharmacological approaches to drugs and the bio-socio-cultural models of understanding drugs.

The evolutionary origins of psychotropic drug sensitivity and the archaeological evidence for the spread of psychoactive substances in pre-history.

The role of drugs in spiritual and religious contexts, considering their impact on altered states of consciousness, divination, and healing.

The ambivalence with which stimulant drugs are treated in society, as well as the issues of addiction and dependency.

The economics, livelihoods, and production and distribution segments of drug commodity chains.

Drug policies and drug wars, including their impact on social and political structures.

Drugs, race, and gender, exploring how these factors shape the experiences and consequences of drug use.

The future of the study of drugs and anthropological professional engagements with solving drug problems.

To enhance accessibility, the book includes chapter summaries, numerous examples, further reading suggestions, and case studies covering diverse topics such as drug tourism, drug industries in the Philippines and Mexico, Afghanistan, and the opioid crisis in North America.

The Anthropology of Drugs is an ideal resource for those approaching the topic for the first time, as well as for professionals and health practitioners working in the field. It will be of interest to students of anthropology, sociology, psychology, health studies, and religion.


Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367625245

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