Ceremonial chemistry : the ritual persecution of drugs, addicts, and pushers

Thomas Szasz suggests that governments have overstepped their bounds in labeling and prohibiting certain drugs as "dangerous" substances and incarcerating drug "addicts" in order to cure them. Szasz asserts that such policies scapegoat illegal drugs and the persons who use and sell them, and discourage the breaking of drug habits by pathologizing drug use as "addiction." Reaers will find in Szasz's arguments a cogent and committed response to a worldwide debate. Hardcover. Octavo. Blue and cream colored cloth with illustrated dust jacket. Dj illustration by Edward Gorey. First Edition. Some chipping and wear to edges of dj with small closed tear in spine. Minimal wear to board edges. Occassional red pencil markings throughout. Else, clean and sound. Good to Very Good. A psychoanalyst reports on the causes of drug abuse and views addicts and pushers as society's scapegoats