Drugs that are derived from (or mimic the effects of) the poppy are some of humanity's oldest and most powerful. In fact, opiate drugs were the main tools of doctors for centuries. Unfortunately, misuse of opiates has reached epidemic levels, destroying lives and tearing families apart. This book looks at the history and effects of opiates and introduces readers to treatments that can help turn users' lives around. From caffeine and aspirin to heroin and meth, drugs are an inescapable part of life in the 21st century. Addiction, once viewed as a shameful secret, is now widely understood to be a brain disease that can be treated. This series explores the many facets of this complex topic, providing students with the facts they need to navigate drug use and abuse in their daily lives.
