Includes bibliographical references and index

The magic bullets -- Where drugs come from -- Federal laws : the FDA and drug testing-penalties for illicit use -- What happens to drugs after we take them -- Drugs at the synapse -- Narcotic analgesics : opiates and opioids -- Cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants -- The barbiturates : battered but still here -- Alcohol and 100 million Americans -- Anxiolytics and hypnotics : the minor tranquilizers antipsychotics : the major tranquilizers --

Marijuana -- Hallucinogens, street drugs, designer drugs, club drugs, predatory drugs, and some observations -- The pill : an update -- Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, and Celebrex and Vioxx -- Additional OTC drugs and chemicals -- Personal drug testing -- Drugs in sports -- Study questions

"Clear and readable for the average reader ��� yet comprehensive enough for the professional ��� this reliable reference addresses the effects of high-use, high-abuse drugs in America in a timely and straightforward fashion. Reflects up-to-date research throughout, including coverage of street, over-the-counter, and prescriptive drugs. Highlights the World Wide Web as a growing primary source of drug information. Extensively revises coverage of drug discovery, including major additional information on proteomics, and pharmacogenomics; and highlights the importance of these topics in the context of personalized drug treatment. For professionals in health and drug education, criminal justice, sociology, biology, and chemistry." -- Provided by publisher