From coffee to marijuana, from antihistamines to smart "medicines", bestselling author/mind-body healer Andrew Weil has revised and updated his def...
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reviews
Feb 16, 2010
Oswald
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This is a very informative book. The authors explain the effects of almost every major drug that most people use, including over the counter drugs that people are addicted to. What I did not like about the book was that the information on some of the drugs was rather brief and left me wanting more information. On the other hand, at the end of each chapter the author contributes a list of books on each of the drugs, which I will definitely read.
The authors also leave a positive m More...
The authors also leave a positive m More...
Jul 26, 2011
Troy
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This book is no BS book about illegal drugs. If you using drugs, curious about drugs or know someone who is using drugs. Then this book is for you. A lot of Theocrats and over protective parents would have this book burned because it tells you how to take Psycho-active drugs safely. However, it also tells of the dangers, potential for addiction, effects, accidental overdose info, etc. This book could have saved lives it was circulated well in the 60's and 70's especially. Dr Weil is a reknowned
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Aug 10, 2010
Joanna
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It's been a while since I read this book... what I liked most about it though, was not so much the writing style nor the information (although the information is great), but the paradigm shift that it created for me. Weil seems to believe that drugs are neither necessarily "good" nor "bad." What makes them either add to the quality of, or create havoc in, your life is your relationship to them (and with that established, he goes on to talk about different drugs, one by one
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Sep 15, 2008
Betsy
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When it comes to teenage drug use "Just say no" and other "educational" propaganda programs don't work because they simely leave too many other questions unanswered.
If saying no is the right thing to do, then why do so many people say yes? If drugs are so dangerous, then why do my friends who use drugs seem to be doing just fine? If only stupid people use drugs, then why does my friend who uses drugs socially still get straight As? If marijuana is as dangerous as More...
If saying no is the right thing to do, then why do so many people say yes? If drugs are so dangerous, then why do my friends who use drugs seem to be doing just fine? If only stupid people use drugs, then why does my friend who uses drugs socially still get straight As? If marijuana is as dangerous as More...
Sep 24, 2007
Kevin
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Just as Michael Pollan explains the profound relationship our species has with food, this book explores specific substances, both organic and synthetic, that that have been popular with many cultures. With regards to substances I had direct experience with, such as caffeine and chocolate, I found the information here about the biological impact of this organic substance enriching in a way I would have not understood before. In addition, it gives a general overview of the history of many substa
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Jan 12, 2012
Ian
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Do you eat chocolate, drink coffee, coca-cola or alcohol, smoke cigarettes or (prescription -wink-) marijuana? It would be an accomplishment to find someone in America, nay the world, who hasn't once consumed any of these legal or quasi-legal substances. We alter our minds everyday by consuming substances. Even essentials like food, water or oxygen, change the way our minds behave.
In my experience (which is extensive), it is much better to know what is happening in your mind and body More...
In my experience (which is extensive), it is much better to know what is happening in your mind and body More...
Oct 29, 2009
Denis
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This is a good reference for anyone considering legit or street/forest preparations, plants or fungi. I'm always interested in what the ingredients, effects, traditional uses and sources of the substances that fall into the category of food to drugs and the blurry world between.
Aug 08, 2011
Very high-level and a little cursory at points, but a good overview with a lot of interesting information, especially things I didn't know about coffee, tea, nicotine, and chocolate.
Dec 03, 2009
Gabrielle
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The most interesting, informative, and balanced view on mind-altering substances I have ever come across.
Dec 10, 2010
Chi
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Very Intelligent. Best explanation book about drugs and medicines from any kinds of backgrounds.
Dec 13, 2011
leigh
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A pharmacist (who admits to taking the "labs before the lectures" in 60's S.F.) recommended this book to me because of my fascination with drug abuse and addiction. (We work in an urban hospital where drug-seeking patients are the norm.) I learned a fair amount from this book, and love the author's approach to teaching about drug use in a realistic way. Every drug you've never heard of is included.
Dec 08, 2008
Craig
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This is probably one of the best overall books on the subject. In addition to the informative coverage of each drug group and subgroups of drugs, the general attitude is one of harm reduction. What better way to address substance use and consciousness altering than to acknowledge use and attempt to educate so as to reduce harm and increase intelligence about one's behavior and choices.
Nov 09, 2010
Moody-1
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A fantastic balanced reference guide on mind altering substances ranging from the legal to illegal. I like that it presents the positives and negatives & explains how to avoid any bad relationship if you choose to take any of the substances.
May 29, 2008
Lemon.scented
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I must have the old school version of this book from 1983.
My copy is ,of course, out of date but the premise is still the same. Make educated choices about the drugs, legal or illegal, that you ingest.
My copy is ,of course, out of date but the premise is still the same. Make educated choices about the drugs, legal or illegal, that you ingest.
May 07, 2008
Rae
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A book about drugs, some commonly used and some not, and how they affect our bodies. Each chapter deals with a specific class of drugs, such as stimulants, depressants, or psychedelics.
Aug 14, 2008
Beth
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Excellent book, drugs, medicines, herbs from an historical, cultural, medical perspective. Weil is both a Botanist and Md. Co-written by Winifred Rosen.
Feb 11, 2012
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Jan 31, 2012
Jan 31, 2012
