1Drugs in American Society is a sociological introduction to the use of psychoactive substances in the United States that takes a big-picture look at patterns of drug consumption in America while also focusing on the effects that drugs have on the lives of users. Significantly streamlined and reorganized, this tenth edition presents the most current research, data, and statistics on drug use and discusses the latest trends involving drugs, from the decriminalization and mainstreaming of marijuana to the opiate epidemic that has led to a startling rise in overdose deaths. Personal accounts of Americans that have taken drugs are provided to show the reality of drug use and provide insights that go beyond the portrayal of drugs in society and the news media.