The New York Times BestsellerThe Book Behind the Viral TED TalkFor the first time, the startling full story of the disastrous war on drugs-propelled by moving human stories, revolutionary insight into addiction, and fearless international reporting.What if everything you think you know about addiction is wrong? One of Johann Hari’s earliest memories is of trying to wake up one of his relatives … wake up one of his relatives and not be able to. As he grew older, he came to the realization that he had addiction in his family. Driven to action but not knowing where to start, he set out on a three-year, 30,000-mile journey to discover what really causes addiction-and what really solves it.He uncovered a range of remarkable human stories-of how the war on drugs began with Billie Holiday, the great jazz singer, being stalked and killed by a racist policeman; of the scientist who discovered the surprising key to addiction; and of the countries that ended their war on drugs-with extraordinary results.Chasing the Scream is the story of a life-changing journey that showed the world the opposite of addiction is connection.
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As a first-rate reading experience, and as a book to open one’s eyes to the flaws in U.S. drug policy, this book arguably rates 5 stars.
As a work to be relied upon for factual information, it scores somewhat lower. So read it with a critical eye.
Nonetheless, I have recommended this book to countless friends and relatives.
It wields a wrecking ball against y faulty and outmoded concepts about addiction, the business of illegal drugs, our drug laws, drug treatment, and drug enforcement.
I believe it should be read by every fair-minded, caring American who wants to see the U.S. government take a more effective approach toward America’s drug problems but who doesn’t know what such an approach would entail, and doesn’t know which so-called experts to believe.
The book begins with some little-known history of how the U.S. drug war started, and some fascinating stories about people who figure in that history.
It also sheds some useful light on addiction itself, and popular misconceptions about its causes, effects, and human impact.
And the book ends with some illuminating examples of how other countries have taken different approaches to drug enforcement and treatment, in some instances with greater success than the U.S.
All this information is useful in opening one’s mind to a fresh view of America’s drug problem.
And because the book succeeds in doing that, I can excuse its anecdotal approach and sketchy facts and figures.
To the author’s credit, he does not attempt to present a conceptual solution to the drug epidemic.
No plan or solution, no matter how well-conceived, will have a chance until thoughtful Americans sweep away the cobwebs and take a close look at what addiction really is, what treatments or legal sanctions really work, the true cost of our war on drugs, and the likely cost of alternative approaches to addiction and the illegal drug trade.
Though the author comes from a strongly left of center background, I give him credit for not politicizing his narrative. In my view, the book is a fair attempt to give the rest of us what we need to challenge America’s bankrupt policies toward illegal drugs and give them a much-needed overhaul.
There is a growing epidemic in our country. It’s one that has affected all of us in one way or another. It’s addiction. Unfortunately, our family has been greatly affected by this. I never would have suspected it. I used to envision heroine used by dirty homeless people who lay in the gutter. This is far from the truth. Heroine knows no boundaries. It affects white collared workers and educated professionals too. JoHann Hari’s book helped us understand what addicts need most: connectivity. Society used to tell us to kick addicts to the curb, but that doesn’t help. Read Hari’s book to find out how you can help, because addicts need you.
We should know our history, no matter how ugly. Or better yet, because it is so horrifying.
I found this book to be a page-turner, as it exposes some facts about the history of prohibition in the US that has been well hidden, and demonstrates a balanced perspective with several global examples. Through telling stories of some well-known and not well-known people living substance exposed lives, Johann Hari brings to light the true struggle of addiction, an absence of connection and a healthy environment. This is a must read as we all struggle with addiction, some more accepted vices than others.
The greatest narrative non-fiction read of my life thus far. Johann masterfully guides us through the history of the disastrous U.S. drug policies by telling the stories of those most affected. Then he leads us through the possible solutions by illustrating what other countries have done different to successfully treat drug addiction in their populace.
Has a political viewpoint on drugs and the drugwar. Spoiler alert questions thepower and political war of drug lords and drug enforcement. ( and lack of treatment of drug users/abusers). A good thinking book, reads well. Worth a read, even if your not convinced by it you will find it enlightening.
Starts with a historical look at how it started and why. Then goes into many, many studies on effects for various drugs. The help available and the punishments too. This book asks a lot of tough questions.