John Merriman

The Intoxicate John Merriman

The 'Intoxicate' is a survey of all the major drug types that are used to alter consciousness. It goes through each category of drug and talks about its psychological, behavioural and social effects. It is presented in the form of narrative highlighted by personal experience, and the anecdotes of others. ( Although the narrator is aware of academic knowledge in this area.) The narrator's intention is to locate these drugs within the context of life lived from the 1970's to the 1990's, rather than as a separate area of study. As well as considering the effects, personal and social, of recognised categories of drugs, such as hallucinogens, amphetamines and cannabis, it also includes sections on everyday drugs such as nicotine, caffeine and tobacco. Although this work is presented as a narrative, it is based on enough knowledge to make it authentic ( I believe). I would hope it adds something to the debate on drugs in modern life, and I would like to think it is also enjoyable in itself as a narrative.