Incorporating fields of sociology, criminology, and public policy, this book provides a more complete understanding of the issues surrounding drugs. The primary purpose of this work is to teach students about the dynamics of drugs (both legal and illegal) in American society, while providing a look at historical law creation and current law enforcement. Unique coverage includes topics such as the history of drugs in the U.S., the integral role of race in the creation of drug laws, the elaboration of the global trade in drugs, the U.S. drug control policies and the impact of the U.S. drug war on international relations. Features include: Incorporates observations from sociology, criminology, and public policy Includes more on U.S. drug control policies, the impact of U.S. laws on international relations and other nations approaches to drugs Emphasizes the U.S. drug war domestically and globally. Emphasizes the creation of drug laws. Includes real-life segments and human interest stories Important Terms Critical Thinking Questions Research Topics Suggested Reading/Films Professionals in the fields of criminology, sociology, and public policy.