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A psychiatrist examines how the world's four most important mind-altering substances -- alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, and opiates -- have played a significant role throughout human history, and explains how these powerful drugs affect the brain and cause addiction.* Presents a historical review of four plant-derived drugs -- alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, and opiates -- and their effects throughout human civilization, as well as a fascinating exploration of the mystery and misery of addiction* Provides comprehensive explanations of medical and psychiatric effects of these drugs* Supplies stories of people who made discoveries about these drugs or who had their lives altered by them* Describes the discovery of the way in which the brain works* Includes illustrations of brain pathways and of the four plants of origin for these drugs, and maps showing drug trade triangles.