02.13.09
Creating the American Junkie: A Book Review
By Caroline Jean Acker
Caroline Jean Acker’s book, “Creating the American Junkie”, has been called both fascinating and informative examination of the American drug policy.
The book pursues use of opiates and the gradual rise in the United States during the 19th century, hitting a peak in the 1890s. Cocaine was extremely popular in 1884, and its use peaked in the first decade of the 20th century. Many of these drug users were people on the fringe of society. These users were burdened with the image of what Caroline Jean Acker calls the “heroin-addicted male urban hustler.”
In a recent review of “Creating the American Junkie”, The New England Journal of Medicine wrote, “A well-written and thoughtful book… Acker presents a fascinating account of how addicts’ negative image came to dominate public and official perceptions, as well as how it forced some users into the mold.
Her careful analysis of research findings will make this book of interest to historians, drug-abuse workers, and anyone else who wants to examine the origins of American drug policy.”
Maggie said,
February 16, 2009 at 10:45 am
Great Review! I’ll have to pick this one up.
Kelly said,
February 16, 2009 at 10:46 am
1910-1964 seems like it would be a very interesting time in the progression of narcotics… this should be a good read…