This discussion by a leading expert on drug use illuminates the factors that permit some people to use such highly addictive and dangerous substances as alcohol, marijuana, psychedelics, and opiates in a controlled fashion. "This cogently written work should be of interest to members of the medical community, particularly those who have contact with substance abusers, psychiatrists, sociologists, policymakers, administrators, and interested laypersons. It is well worth reading."-Joseph Zentner, Journal of American Medical Association"Extremely interesting, readable, and thought-provoking."-Library Journal"This book is an important theoretical work that should be studied by everyone interested in the effects of psychoactive drugs and the ways in which individuals and society can learn to contain their potential for harm."-Andrew T. Weil, M.D., Journal of Psychoactive Drugs"A wealth of information set in a new conceptual framework."-Booklist"Norman Zinberg takes a refreshing approach to the correction of stereotyped notions about drugs and drug users. He has learned how the great majority of drug and alcohol users themselves minimize the hazards of intoxicants, and he has developed a theoretical framework for understanding what they do. By suggesting an alternative to punitive controls, he implies an alternative to public hysteria in the discussion of drug problems."-Lester Grinspoon, M.D.