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Chasing the Scream

the First and Last Days of the War on Drugs
Jul 21, 2015thomd rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A very passionate history and analysis, based primarily on source interviews and the Harry Anslinger archives. Covers a surprising narrative of the early "war on drugs", continuing up to the present day. Chapters of analysis examine situations and countries where addiction and sometimes the drugs themselves were decriminalized. Some insightful thoughts into how dealing with marijuana is different than crack or meth. A brief chapter near the end covers the two different campaigns (Colorado and Washington) for legalization of marijuana. The core of the book is the authors insight that most of addiction is emotional, and largely resulting from childhood trauma. Chemical addiction is only a small percentage, which is contrary to everything we were brought up with. I found the book well researched and collected, even if much of the message is not news. The writing was a little difficult to follow, especially the first few chapters where the stories of various individuals were relayed. The early history was quite interesting, and at first seemed unbelievable. Recommended eye opener for anyone who hasn't really thought about the full effects of drugs (and criminalization) on our society.