The power of drugs: Implications from substance-use in ancient cultures

Abstract

Ancient Psychoactive Substances is an endeavor in the history of what the contemporary society perceives and classifies as both illegal and legal mind-altering substances. Edited by Dr. Scott Fitzpatrick, this investigation and anthology draws from numerous sources in a cross-disciplinary manner, ranging from biomolecular analysis to interpretations of the substance-use itself and the social context it was consumed in. Not only does Ancient Psychoactive Substances give a fascinating historical account of the cultural settings of former substance-use, it also highlights the emergence of the research field in question. Specifically, central to the volume is the relationship between that of mind-altering substances and people. Ultimately, the practice of substance-use seems to transcend both cultures and time, with great implications for further research.