From alcohol and tobacco to marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, Substance Abuse: A Reference Handbook provides readers with a complete overview of legal and illicit drug use. Tracing the history of substance abuse throughout much of human history, the handbook provides scientific data clarifying how various types of addictive substances operate within the human system, both physically and psychologically. It also documents the ways in which various cultures-including modern-day America-have tried to control the use of these substances, and the consequences of those efforts.Containing chronological and biographical sketches, lists of organizations, fundamental documents and data, and a complete annotated bibliography, Substance Abuse enables students to continue their own research.