The Influence of Literary and Philosophical Accounts on Drug Taking

Abstract

Literary and philosophical accounts of drug experiences and addiction have a long history and tradition. Such writings have been important in describing certain types of experiences, directing the use of specific drugs, and even structuring an ideology of use which reflects a larger philosophy of life. This literature has been used by the medical community as a source of therapeutic information about drugs, and by drug subcultures as guidebooks to drug experiences and in giving some meaning to those experiences. The past few decades have seen renewed interest in the drug literature from centuries past; much of it has been collected into anthologies or completely reprinted. Strategies to provide useful and relatively objective literature might improve users' knowledge of drugs, but it may not encourage more appropriate drug use nor prevent drug use problems. More studies are needed to delineate the nature and meaning of relationships between drug literature and society.