Crack And The Evolution Of Anti-drug Policy

An authority on anti-drug policy and crack since it became a popular street drug in the mid-1980s, Belenko traces the development of America's policy response in the context of changes in policy that were underway when crack first appeared. He summarizes the state of our knowledge about crack, its pharmacological properties, its use and effects on health and behavior, and its distribution.

Moreover, he makes recommendations about policies to deal with the next drug epidemic. This empirical analysis and public policy study is intended for teachers, graduate students, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in drug control and treatment, criminal justice law enforcement, and in public administration.

Review: [C]rack is essential reading not only for experts and professionals but average Americans. Belenko painstakingly sifts through the empirical research in pharmacology, criminal behavior, and enforcement to expose the errors of America's recent antidrug policy... Although the study is rich in details of the crack problem, the author sees the big picture, concluding that incarcerating more and more black and Hispanic drug users and low-level sellers has not and will not solve the nation's drug problem and that the key research and policy issue is why so many American's take psychoactive drugs.

The work stands out among the antidrug literature for its solid empirical analysis. Highly recommended for all readers. - Choice Belenko has tackled an important and complex topic. His book is well written and full of empirical results, and it is certainly to be recommended for serious students of drug policy.

It represents a significant countribution to our understanding. - Criminal Justice Review