The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 269 No 7205 p33
6 July 2002

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Drugs of abuse

'Drug notes' (1) Heroin, (2) LSD & magic mushrooms, (3) Cannabis, (4) Amphetamines, (5) Cocaine & crack, (6) Solvents, (7) Tranquillisers, (8) Ecstasy, (9) Poppers, ketamine & GHB, edited by Gary Hayes. Price £1.50 each. London: DrugScope; 2002

This series of booklets was first published in 1986. They are intended to give more in depth information than that provided in Drug Scope's Drug Abuse Briefing. They can be used for training and information purposes for professionals, drug workers and the public. They have developed over time to reflect new legislation and research evidence as well as the interests of the target audience. For pharmacists they will augment and extend knowledge and understanding of how and why drugs are misused.

There are nine titles in the series ranging from heroin, cannabis, LSD and magic mushrooms to amphetamines, crack/cocaine, tranquillisers and solvents. The previous booklet on over-the-counter medicines has been deleted and replaced by one on poppers, ketamine and gamma hydroxybutyrate.

Information is presented in a clear and logical fashion. Chapter headings include "What is it?", "Methods of use", "History", "Prevalence and availability", "The law", "Short effects", "Long term consequences", "Issues in response to the use of the specific drugs in the United Kingdom", references and further reading. The sections on law refer to both the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) and the Medicines Act. The specific penalties under the MDA are clearly set out and reflect current debates on the proposed reclassification of cannabis and its use as a medicine and the possible extension of heroin prescribing. Unfortunately, 'Note 7' on tranquillisers does not reflect recent legislative changes that make it an offence to possess any benzodiazopine without a prescription — a rare error in an otherwise excellent and useful information resource.

Kay Roberts