Intoxication: the universal drive for mind-altering substances

"In this book Ronald K. Siegel draws upon his twenty years of groundbreaking research to provide countless examples of the intoxication urge in humans, animals, and even insects. The detailed observations of his so-called psychonauts - study participants trained to explicitly describe their drug experiences - as well as numerous studies with animals have helped him to identify the behavior patterns induced by different intoxicants. Presenting his conclusions on the biological as well as cultural reasons for the pursuit of intoxication and showing that personality and guidance often define the outcome of a drug experience, Siegel offers a broad understanding of the intoxication phenomenon as well as recommendations for curbing the negative aspects of drug use in Western culture by designing safe intoxicants."

Originally published in 1989 by E.P. Dutton as: Intoxication : Life in the pursuit of artificial paradise.

War in Eden : origins of plant drugs -- A trip of goats : discovery of poisons and intoxicants -- Falling birds and flying cats : accidents with hallucinogens -- A shrewdness of apes : learning to use tobacco and other drugs -- Ark on the rocks : alcohol as the universal intoxicant -- Milk of paradise : romance and addiction with opium -- Emerald laughter : hashish and marijuana -- Forced march : coca and cocaine -- A bevy of beasts : drugs in the social group -- The fourth drive : motivation for intoxication -- Fire in the brain : mental marvels, murder, and mechanisms of control -- Star-spangled powders : drugs and the American way -- War on drugs : enduring supplies and demands -- Waking dreams : drugs in the future.