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Drug Use for Grown-Ups

Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear

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Drug Use for Grown-Ups

Written by: Carl L. Hart
Narrated by: Carl L. Hart
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About this listen

 From one of the world's foremost experts on the subject, a powerful argument that the greatest damage from drugs flows from their being illegal, and a hopeful reckoning with the possibility of their use as part of a responsible and happy life

Dr. Carl L. Hart, Ziff Professor at Columbia University and former chair of the Department of Psychology, is one of the world's preeminent experts on the effects of so-called recreational drugs on the human mind and body. Dr. Hart is open about the fact that he uses drugs himself, in a happy balance with the rest of his full and productive life as a colleague, husband, father, and friend. In Drug Use for Grown-Ups, he draws on decades of research and his own personal experience to argue definitively that the criminalization and demonization of drug use--not drugs themselves--have been a tremendous scourge on America, not least in reinforcing this country's enduring structural racism.

Dr. Hart did not always have this view. He came of age in one of Miami's most troubled neighborhoods at a time when many ills were being laid at the door of crack cocaine. His initial work as a researcher was aimed at proving that drug use caused bad outcomes. But one problem kept cropping up: the evidence from his research did not support his hypothesis. From inside the massively well-funded research arm of the American war on drugs, he saw how the facts did not support the ideology. The truth was dismissed and distorted in order to keep fear and outrage stoked, the funds rolling in, and black and brown bodies behind bars.

Drug Use for Grown-Ups will be controversial, to be sure: the propaganda war, Dr. Hart argues, has been tremendously effective. Imagine if the only subject of any discussion about driving automobiles was fatal car crashes. Drug Use for Grown-Ups offers a radically different vision: when used responsibly, drugs can enrich and enhance our lives. We have a long way to go, but the vital conversation this book will generate is an extraordinarily important step.

*This audiobook includes a PDF of figures and an appendix from the book. Biological Sciences Criminology Freedom & Security Law Politics & Government Science Social Sciences Happiness Crime War Social justice Health Medicine Mental Health Substance Abuse
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This taught me many many new perspectives on drug use. I'm an experienced practitioner and was so excited to be shocked and happily schooled on some serious FACTS about drug use via Carl's lifelong career. He needs his own show!

Enlightening!😎❤️

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not since gabor mate's book in the realm of hungry ghosts has a book on substances had such a personal impact. Dr Carl Hart lays out his personal experience and the science behind drug use. although some of his ideas had an initial shock for me, and it should be noticed that I'm a drug and alcohol counselor and have some experience on the matter, as I reminded myself to be open and listen to him it all makes sense.


thank you Dr Carl Hart for your bravery. I too am a substance use user, and a responsible one of that. I take care of my family, 10 to my health, and contribute to society. and I enjoy substances.

helping me be open-minded

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After hearing Dr. Carl on the Joe Rogan podcast I was very intrigued with his work. This book doesn’t disappoint. I appreciate Dr. Carl for his fact based approach, replacing many of my previous anecdotal views on drugs.

Eye opening, fact based approach

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This book has dismantled almost every negative sentiment I've had about drugs (through decades of propaganda, misleading studies, and flat-out lies from our governments, academics, and scientists). I am a very open minded and accepting type of person and this book was extremely eye-opening. Thank you Dr. Carl Hart!!

Very shocking

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There should be a large segment that explains the many reasons for addictions. And how to avoid this trap. I believe that addiction wouldn't be a problem if humans would only be machine like, the problem reside in our heads, our mind,our spirit... our soul. I think the main problem is that "we" as humans living in the system we're in now, we are damaged beings. Many of our human need never being fulfilled.

All of that being said, i also believe that all drugs should be decriminalized.

mostly agree

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