Pleasure, the Politics and the Reality

This study examines why people continue to enjoy substances - such as coffee, cigarettes and alcohol - which are apparently harmful to them. It presents the essential facts on substance abuse while encouraging readers to cast aside prejudices and evaluate for themselves the current views.

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Why, despite the vast amount of literature available on substances such as tea, coffee, cigarettes and alcohol, do people continue to enjoy various substances which are apparently harmful to them? Why is pleasurable substance use often the subject of extreme opinions and conflicting policies? Here, the authors discuss these issues and the complexities of substance use. Their approach is deliberately objective, and their aim is to inform people of the essential facts regarding substance use whilst encouraging them to cast aside their prejudices and evaluate for themselves the current views and confusions surrounding this subject.