Drug Dangers Reviews

The Dangers of E-Cigarettes: ISBN 978-1-68282-014-8 / eBook: 978-1-68282-015-5
The Dangers of Hallucinogens: ISBN 978-1-68282-016-2 / eBook: 978-1-68282-017-9
The Dangers of Heroin: ISBN 978-1-68282-018-6 / eBook: 978-1-68282-019-3
VOYA, April 1, 2017

Referencepoint's Drug Dangers series takes a factual approach to the dangers of each drug presented. Each volume is set up in an easy-to-read format highlighting the history, usage, side effects, risks, and treatment options of the titular drug, as well as legal implications for its use and sale. The Dangers of Heroin highlights the drug's resurgence in American society today and offers theories as to why the drug has overshadowed others in recent years. The Dangers of Hallucinogens outlines the different attempts to prevent abuse. There are programs to help parents and schools teach prevention and help students resist the pressure to start using drugs. There are also more controversial programs in which the goal is not prevention but instead “harm reduction”—acknowledging that teens will experiment with these drugs and, therefore, they should be taught methods to do it as safely as possible (for example, with needle exchanges). The Dangers of E-Cigarettes describes the problem authorities have with this new drug. Adults use e-cigarettes to help them stop smoking regular cigarettes, but teens often begin with e-cigarettes and move on to regular cigarettes. Vaping remains a controversial issue, with supporters claiming it is a good method to reduce the reliance on traditional tobacco products and opponents claiming that people can just as easily get addicted to e-cigarettes.
Drug Dangers presents all of this information in a straightforward manner, leading the reader to draw conclusions. The series is a good introduction to the subject matter and will be useful for school reports.
—Jennifer McIntosh.


The Dangers of Alcohol: ISBN 978-1-68282-012-4 / eBook: 978-1-68282-013-1
The Dangers of E-Cigarettes: ISBN 978-1-68282-014-8 / eBook: 978-1-68282-015-5
The Dangers of Hallucinogens: ISBN 978-1-68282-016-2 / eBook: 978-1-68282-017-9
The Dangers of Heroin: ISBN 978-1-68282-018-6 / eBook: 978-1-68282-019-3
The Dangers of Marijuana: ISBN 978-1-68282-020-9 / eBook: 978-1-68282-021-6
The Dangers of Methamphetamine: ISBN 978-1-68282-022-3 / eBook: 978-1-68282-023-0
The Dangers of Painkillers: ISBN 978-1-68282-024-7 / eBook: 978-1-68282-025-4
The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs: ISBN 978-1-68282-026-1 / eBook: 978-1-68282-027-8
School Library Connection, January 1, 2017

Each book in this series provides a comprehensive view of the advent, use, and evolution of each substance in a straightforward and easy to follow format. For controversial topics, such as e-cigarettes, discussion from both sides is presented, though the bottom line is still to refrain from use. Information is provided on how addictive the substance is, as well as behaviors and symptoms associated with addiction. Treatments and challenges of getting treatment are discussed. Prevention rounds out the presentation, covering personal prevention, local efforts to prevent drug use, and global movements to help cut down on substance use. Each title is studded with appropriate full color graphs, charts, and photos, as well as primary sources. Organizations for further assistance are also listed. This information is solidly presented for collections that need an update, have recurring projects, and for curious students.
Emily Cassady, Educational Reviewer, Dallas, Texas
Recommended


The Dangers of Methamphetamine: ISBN 978-1-68282-022-3 / eBook: 978-1-68282-023-0
Booklist, October 1, 2016

Methamphetamine (or meth) is a monster that can take hold of its victims with as little as one dose. Marcovitz's riveting narrative smoothly transitions from the drug's history to its effects on the body, from addiction to successful treatment, and finally from meth labs to drug dealers. The coherent description of how this drug damages and kills neurons in the brain reads like a horror novel while staying grounded in quality reporting. Marcovitz provides solid facts and first-hand accounts to describe an extremely addictive drug that takes little expertise to fabricate and is quickly becoming a national epidemic. This entry into the Drug Dangers series is an important addition to collections and will provide adult and teen readers alike the information needed to fully grasp the extreme destruction of body and mind while using this drug.
—Karen Ginman