The best 21 Drugs books

The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide (2011) is the definitive manual for psychedelic voyagers and those who guide them. Combining original research, personal reports, and shamanistic tradition, it teaches how to create safe and successful psychedelic experiences that facilitate healing, self-discovery, and creativity. 

Dry is a memoir by Augusten Burroughs that chronicles his journey through alcoholism and recovery. With raw honesty and dark humor, Burroughs recounts his downhill spiral into addiction and his time in rehab. He shares the challenges he faced, the friendships he formed, and ultimately, the strength he found to embrace sobriety and rebuild his life.

Porno is a novel by Irvine Welsh that follows a group of friends from Edinburgh who get involved in the amateur porn industry. Set ten years after the events of Trainspotting, the book delves into themes of friendship, ambition, and the seedy underbelly of the adult entertainment world. With Welsh's trademark raw and gritty style, Porno offers a provocative and unflinching look at the characters' lives as they navigate their way through the murky waters of the porn industry.

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell is a gripping novel set in the rural Ozarks. It follows 16-year-old Ree Dolly as she embarks on a dangerous quest to find her missing father, who has put their home at risk by using it as collateral for his bail bond. With a stark and atmospheric writing style, Woodrell delves into the harsh realities of poverty, family, and survival in a tight-knit community.

Sharp Objects is a psychological thriller by Gillian Flynn that delves into the dark and twisted mind of its protagonist, journalist Camille Preaker. Assigned to cover a series of murders in her hometown, Camille is forced to confront her own troubled past and unravel the secrets that have haunted her family for years. With its gripping narrative and shocking revelations, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch is a mind-bending science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick. Set in a future where Earth is ravaged by climate change, it follows the story of a group of colonists on Mars who become embroiled in a dangerous game involving a mysterious figure named Palmer Eldritch and a drug that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. As the boundaries of perception are tested, the novel explores themes of identity, power, and the nature of existence.

Killing Pablo is a gripping non-fiction book by Mark Bowden that chronicles the hunt for and eventual death of infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Through extensive research and interviews with key players, Bowden provides a detailed account of the operations carried out by the Colombian government and the United States to bring down one of the most powerful and dangerous criminals in history.

Less Than Zero is a novel by Bret Easton Ellis that delves into the dark and nihilistic world of wealthy Los Angeles teenagers. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Clay, the book explores themes of drug abuse, apathy, and the emptiness of a materialistic society. It offers a chilling portrayal of a generation lost in a world devoid of genuine connections and meaning.

Drugs Without the Hot Air by David Nutt offers a rational and evidence-based analysis of drug use and policy. It challenges common misconceptions and provides a comprehensive overview of the science behind various drugs, their effects, and the societal implications. Nutt presents a compelling case for a more balanced and informed approach to drug regulation.

Blitzed by Norman Ohler is a thought-provoking book that uncovers the widespread use of drugs in Nazi Germany. Drawing on extensive research, Ohler reveals how methamphetamines and other substances were used to fuel the German war effort and even influenced key strategic decisions. This eye-opening account challenges our understanding of history and sheds light on a dark and often overlooked aspect of World War II.

Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo is a powerful memoir by Christiane F. It tells the story of her teenage years spent in the drug scene of 1970s Berlin. The book provides a raw and honest account of her struggles with addiction and the harsh realities of life on the streets.

Food of the Gods by Terence McKenna explores the relationship between humans and psychoactive plants throughout history. McKenna delves into the idea that these plants have played a crucial role in shaping human evolution and culture. He also discusses the potential benefits of reconnecting with these substances in a responsible and intentional way.

TiHKAL (Tryptamines I Have Known and Loved) is a book by Alexander Shulgin that delves into the world of psychoactive tryptamine compounds. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, chemical formulas, and detailed accounts of the effects of various substances, Shulgin explores the potential uses and risks associated with these mind-altering substances. It offers a unique perspective on the science and culture surrounding psychedelic drugs.

The Psychedelic Experience is a groundbreaking book by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass) that explores the use of psychedelic drugs as a tool for spiritual awakening and personal transformation. Drawing on their own experiences and ancient Eastern philosophy, the authors provide a guide for navigating the psychedelic journey and harnessing its potential for self-discovery and enlightenment.

Bright Lights, Big City is a novel by Jay McInerney that takes place in the bustling city of New York. It tells the story of a young man who is caught up in the fast-paced world of nightlife and substance abuse as he tries to escape from the pain of his failed marriage and the death of his mother. The book offers a raw and honest portrayal of the protagonist's struggle to find meaning and redemption in a city that never sleeps.

Porno is a novel by Irvine Welsh that follows the lives of the characters from his earlier book, Trainspotting, as they venture into the world of the adult film industry. Set in Edinburgh, the story delves into themes of addiction, friendship, and the pursuit of success, while providing a raw and unfiltered look at the seedy underbelly of the porn business.

High Price by Carl Hart is a thought-provoking book that challenges the conventional wisdom on drug addiction and the war on drugs. Through his own personal story and scientific research, Hart argues that the current approach to drug policy is misguided and perpetuates social injustice. He offers a compelling case for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to addressing drug addiction.

Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc is a powerful non-fiction book that delves into the lives of two young women and their families in the Bronx. Through years of immersive reporting, LeBlanc uncovers the complexities of poverty, love, and survival as she follows the intertwined lives of these individuals. It offers a raw and intimate portrayal of urban life and the challenges faced by those living on the margins of society.

Reefer Madness explores the underground world of marijuana cultivation and distribution in the United States. Eric Schlosser investigates the social, economic, and political implications of the illegal drug trade, shedding light on the controversial and complex issues surrounding marijuana. Through in-depth research and interviews, the book challenges common misconceptions and offers a thought-provoking analysis of the war on drugs.

A memoir that chronicles the author's teenage years in New York City, where he navigates the challenges of drug addiction and street life while also pursuing his passion for basketball. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of a young man's struggle with addiction and the power of self-expression through writing.

The Teachings of Don Juan is a groundbreaking book by Carlos Castaneda that explores his experiences with a Yaqui Indian sorcerer named Don Juan Matus. Through a series of encounters and lessons, Castaneda delves into the world of shamanism and the use of psychotropic plants for spiritual growth. This thought-provoking and controversial work challenges our understanding of reality and offers profound insights into the nature of existence.