Few behaviors penetrate as deeply into the biological, psycholgical, sociocultural, and economic aspects of human life as does drug use. The book examines the prevalence of drug use and basic issues surrounding it. It explores the intended roles of such social institutions as law, medicine, religion, and education. This examination concludes that drug use by itself does not qualify as criminal behavior. The role of the immediate environment is examined with respect to family atmosphere, influence of peer groups, and school setting. Society's role is examined with regard to affluence, cultural stress, alienation, annd the general attitude that chemicals are useful for all situations. It is concluded that suppression of the drug supply is not and cannot be effective in minimizing the personal and social costs of drug use. The only effective strategy is prevention, based on awareness of the problems associated with drug use and minimization of the demand for drugs. Extensive reference notes and an index are included. (Author abstract modified)