Brain-Robbers: How Alcohol, Cocaine, Nicotine, and Opiates Have Changed Human History

<p>A psychiatrist examines how the world's four most important mind-altering substances -- alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, and opiates -- have played a significant role throughout human history, and explains how these powerful drugs affect the brain and cause addiction.</p><p><br>* Presents a historical review of four plant-derived drugs -- alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, and opiates -- and their effects throughout human civilization, as well as a fascinating exploration of the mystery and misery of addiction</p><p>* Provides comprehensive explanations of medical and psychiatric effects of these drugs</p><p>* Supplies stories of people who made discoveries about these drugs or who had their lives altered by them</p><p>* Describes the discovery of the way in which the brain works</p><p>* Includes illustrations of brain pathways and of the four plants of origin for these drugs, and maps showing drug trade triangles</p>