Drug Use for Grown-Ups

Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear

By: Dr. Carl L. Hart

Narrated by: Dr. Carl L. Hart

Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

From one of the world's foremost experts on the subject, a powerful argument that the greatest damage from drugs flows from their being illegal, and a hopeful reckoning with the possibility of their use as part of a responsible and happy life.

Dr. Carl L. Hart, Ziff professor at Columbia University and former chair of the Department of Psychology, is one of the world's preeminent experts on the effects of so-called recreational drugs on the human mind and body. Dr. Hart is open about the fact that he uses drugs himself, in a happy balance with the rest of his full and productive life as a colleague, husband, father, and friend. 

In Drug Use for Grown-Ups, he draws on decades of research and his own personal experience to argue definitively that the criminalization and demonization of drug use - not drugs themselves - have been a tremendous scourge on America, not least in reinforcing this country's enduring structural racism. 

Dr. Hart did not always have this view. He came of age in one of Miami's most troubled neighborhoods at a time when many ills were being laid at the door of crack cocaine. His initial work as a researcher was aimed at proving that drug use caused bad outcomes. But one problem kept cropping up: The evidence from his research did not support his hypothesis. From inside the massively well-funded research arm of the American war on drugs, he saw how the facts did not support the ideology. The truth was dismissed and distorted in order to keep fear and outrage stoked, the funds rolling in, and Black and Brown bodies behind bars. 

Drug Use for Grown-Ups will be controversial, to be sure: The propaganda war, Dr. Hart argues, has been tremendously effective. Imagine if the only subject of any discussion about driving automobiles was fatal car crashes. Drug Use for Grown-Ups offers a radically different vision: When used responsibly, drugs can enrich and enhance our lives. We have a long way to go, but the vital conversation this book will generate is an extraordinarily important step.  

This audiobook includes a PDF of figures and an appendix from the book.   

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

©2021 Dr. Carl L. Hart (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

One of Behavioral Scientist's Best Books of the Year 

“[Hart's] positions may seem quite extreme to some but they also, by and large, make a lot of sense - and are backed up by ample research.... A major reason drugs have such a negative public image, Hart asserts, is racism...eye-opening.” (NPR.org)  

“Hart’s argument that we need to drastically revise our current view of illegal drugs is both powerful and timely...when it comes to the legacy of this country’s war on drugs, we should all share his outrage.” (The New York Times Book Review)  

“One of the most thought-provoking reads I’ve had the pleasure of exploring in a long time....” (Trevor Noah, The Daily Show)  

Dr Carl Hart should be our drug Czar

Honesty integrity common sense are just a few of the words I’d use to describe Dr Harts work. Hats off to you Dr. I’ve always felt so guilty about my drug use but I now know it’s cool. I eat good sleep well and have a job for the last 45 years that I love. I’ve always been on the down low about drugs, but I get it now. It’s time to come out of the closet and be proud of who I am and how i obtain stress release in a turbulent time. Drugs aren’t bad it’s the policy’s around them that are. Give people choices and jobs !! Get rid of all the jobs people have that make money of bad policy and replace this jobs w policy that makes sense. Thank you so much for writing this book and speaking up.

a book to change your thinking

absolutely mind blowing. incredibly informative and important message. important for anyone who drinks, smokes, etc.

Eye opening

This book drastically changed the way I viewed “Hard Drugs” And the people who use them, as well as changed the way I viewed my own personal journey through experimentation and where I was flawed in my own education and use of the substances mentioned in this book. Overall a great informative read and plethora of useful, life saving information. Highly recommend for anyone interested in truly understanding the complex subject of regular drug use while pursuing personal happiness.

Life liberty and resist tyranny

Like you I’m a veteran. This way on drugs has to stop. We need education and compassion. Thank you for stepping up. Oorah

Very informative.

listened straight through. I love when the author narrates it gives authenticity to the content.

More anecdotal and less scientific than I hoped

This was a good book. I found it enjoyable and it certainly challenged my preconceived notions about drugs and drug use. However, I bought this book hoping to hear more about how his research changed his mind about drugs rather than how his experience with drugs changed his perceptions. I think that it's incredibly important to understand why Dr. Hart has been willing to devillify many illegal substances and how current drug policy harms rather than protects citizens. But are there more benefits to these drugs than enjoying the high and feeling good? What would an ideal world where individuals can use whatever substances that they desire look like? Can LSD and psilocybin increase creativity? Can cocaine boost productivity? Can marijuana reduce chronic inflammation? All questions that I wish Dr. Hart would have discussed a bit more. This was a good book but I was hoping that it'd be great.

Not what I thought

The book was okay. Obviously, Dr. Hart is an expert in drugs - both scientifically and anecdotally. His point that drugs should be legalized is a good one and I’d recommend the book to anyone who thinks otherwise. That being said, I thought there was going to be a little more science and a little less insulting public figures and making the same point over and over again.

Brilliant

There are a few concepts/claims I plan to do more research on before endorsing, but overall this book is fantastic. As a drug abuse treatment counselor at an addiction treatment center, and an ex-user of 'hard' drugs, I have increasingly found my mind wandering into the theoretical territory of this book the past year. Due I think primarily to my profession, this has been rather lonely work. Its good to see that there is a network of likeminded thinkers out there, and a growing body of research looking into this subject.

Deeply Compelling

This book is beautifully written and narrated by the author Dr. Carl L Hart. It addresses the biases in scientific research on drugs as well as systemic racism and its effects on social perspective. The author digs in to the other side of drug use that has not gotten enough attention: the health benefits obtained through responsible use. I applaud his bravery and I’m recommending this book to others!

A refreshing perspective, well reasoned

A well reasoned and progressive take on drug use in America and worldwide. Dr Hart encourages us to question society's perspective on drugs and their users.

Not much about drug use

Some good info about use and laws but mainly it’s a book about drugs with racism.
Now obviously theres racism in regards to how many black people are stopped by the police and prosecuted compared to white people.... but I thought the book would more cover drug use. Little disappointed.

Author reading made it even better

This book was better than expected. The beginning chapters included the usual arguments against drug prohibition, given additional weight due to the author’s expertise. However, the latter chapters, each of which was focused on a different type of drug, were interesting, informative, relatable and touching. Have Dr Hart read the book and hearing his emphasis on words really helped he emotion to come through. 5 stars.

Eye opening

A pivotal book that anyone who is on the fence about drug use should read. Will challenge a lot of your previous held notions are what constitutes a 'drug user', and how responsible drug use can, and already is, integrated into the daily lives of most people.

Excellent piece of literature

Essential piece of reading for anyone in uni studying addiction, mental health, psychology or similar.
The truth is out there

Good Man

Great work.
A truly brave, courageous individual. Such amicable traits displayed by Carl; the ability and efforts he's put into upgrading his previous beliefs in the light of experience and evidence. I've learnt allot from this book. Top draw, thanks Carl.

Amazing revelations and bravery from Dr.Hart!

Finally, the first academic to come out and truly level with audiences the truthfulness of these inert illicit substances, some of which have been used for thousands of years by humans, and able to showcase sustainable use to which does not necessarily lead to addiction. For years, I felt tremendous guilt and shame associated with my drug use, so when I came across Dr. Carl Hart and his book detailing his understanding of responsible, safe drug use enjoyed by millions, if not billions, of people across the world was such a sigh of relief to me. I wasn't alone, and my intuitions on these substances and how they can be sustainably used with little consequences (health wise) have now been substantiated by Dr. Carl Hart's work. I can only thank him for this. I only hope now that more people can come out of the closet about their drug use so we can get moving on with regulating and legalising these drugs so people can enjoy themselves, especially in an ever increasing stressful world.

too political and too much American point of view

too political and too much an American point of view. i wish it had more discussions about effects, more about negative effects on long term use, both physical and psychological

A real eye opener. No BS just facts

Wow. This really opened my eye to the truth about drugs. It doesn’t mean I’m going to start shooting up or snorting, I have my own personal reasons for that. I feel a lot more informed and understanding of the issues discussed.

There are slight distractions along this journey but nothing that would make me give this work anything less than a glowing review.
A must read but for grown ups only. Not for narrow, closed minds.

A bit of a rant

I got quite bored of the politics about halfway through I left it. Not what I expected.

Some good content very political

some good content, he covered a lot of topics and has an interesting perspective and experiences, politics was very American.