Chasing the Scream
by Johann Hari · first published 2015
72% recommend26% neutral3% critical
Why HN recommends it
Readable, well-referenced history of the war on drugs, from early US prohibition to Portugal's decriminalization, built on interviews with users, ex-cops and ex-cartel members; suits readers new to the topic.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
January, 2015 will mark a century of the war on drugs in the United States: one hundred years since the first arrests under the Harrison Act. Facing down this anniversary, Johann Hari was witnessing a close relative and an ex-boyfriend bottoming out on cocaine and heroin. But what was the big picture in the war on drugs? Why does it continue, when most people now think it has failed? The reporter set out on a two-year, 20,000-mile journey through the theater of this war--to find out how it began, how it has affected people around the world, and how we can move beyond it. Chasing the Scream is
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You're both right. The origins are racial ("Chasing the scream" by Hari is another good resource here) and the brainwashing was successful so for a while now we're stuck with the consequences. When the old stupid racists (who voted for Brexit) finally die (not so…
on “Canada legalises recreational cannabis use” ↗People interested in this topic should read Johann Hari's fine book Chasing the Scream. (2015) http://www.worldcat.org/title/chasing-the-scream-the-first-a... Hari digs in to the history of the demonization of addicts in the United States. This started about a century ago as a federal…
on “What Historians Wish People Knew About Drugs, Part II: Isaac Campos” ↗If anyone wants to read a really great book about this topic i suggest "Chasing the Scream"[1]. This book made me think about drug addiction in a completely different way and also change my mind about legalization -- of all drugs, including heroin. [1] https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Scream-First-Last-Drugs/dp/16...
on “El Chapo and the History of the Heroin Crisis” ↗…for any aspiring writer to read. King explains the basics on how to get started, how to persevere and through his experiences, how not to handle success. Full of honesty and simple, effective advice. Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari. Most people agree that the War on Drugs is lost and has been lost for decades now. But why did we fight it in the first place? Why do some continue to believe it's the correct approach?…
on “Ask HN: Books you wish you had read earlier?” ↗…externally imposed consequences of maintaining the habit lead to a negative spiral where there’s more pain, suffering and hopelessness to face when trying to quit. I highly recommend Johann Hari’s book ”Chasing the Scream”, and Gabor Mate’s ”In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts”. Truly enlightening reads if one wants to better understand addiction
on “The plight of Japan's hikikomori” ↗…pointing it out. Still, I think it would be a mistake to skip the article because of who wrote it. As I said, it was a real eye-opener for me, and I'm glad I read it. I'm even glad I bought Hari's book Chasing the Scream. (I didn't even do my usual Kindle free sample, just a one-click purchase on the spot after reading the article, quite unusual for me!) You did have me worried for a moment, though: do I want to support…
on “This bakery will hire anyone” ↗I just finished Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari. I highly recommend reading it if you're interested to know more about this topic.
on “Illegal drugs: The wars don’t work” ↗Anyone looking for an additional read should check Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari.
on “Legalize It All” ↗…prohibition will take another generation. People with access to legislatures (police, court, prison people) will resist there. The other side will fight it in the streets. But it will happen. More info? Chasing the Scream, by Johann Hari. http://www.worldcat.org/title/chasing-the-scream-the-first-a...
on “Dutch prison crisis: A shortage of prisoners” ↗…option of buying a clean, consistent dose from a pharmacy. Instead, they have to buy dangerously tainted drugs from professional criminals, and pay hugely inflated prices for it. Highly recommend the book Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari if you’re interested in reading a persuasive version of this viewpoint.
on “Magic mushrooms should be decriminalised” ↗…natural world. You need to feel you are respected. You need a secure future. You need connections to all these things. You need to release any shame you might feel for having been mistreated." * "Chasing the Scream: the First and Last Days of the War on Drugs" by Johann Hari * "The Globalization of Addiction: A Study in Poverty of the Spirit" by Bruce Alexander * "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters…
on “Let’s avoid talk of ‘chemical imbalance’: it’s people in distress” ↗Chasing the Scream is an excellent book and is thoroughly footnooted and referenced to combat Hari's prior history of troubles. Highly recommended if you are frustrated with the WOD.
on “Johann Hari on the War on Drugs” ↗"Chasing the Scream" - a timely and interesting summary of the war on drugs and its (in)effectiveness. "Mr. Bloomfield's Orchard" - a fun book about fungi from a mycologist with a solid sense of humor. "On the Move" -…
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2015?” ↗…Cannabis and narcotics were banned in a big series of regulations between 1906 and 1937 in the USA. That was the first war on drugs. The 2nd came in the early 1980's. recommend reading Johann Hari's "Chasing the Scream" for a definitive history of the war of drug prohibition, especially Harry Anslinger's campaign against Marijuana from 1930-1937, which indeed stemmed significantly from the lift of alcohol prohibition.
on “Kofi Annan on Why It's Time to Legalize Drugs” ↗…Taleb Thinking Fast & Slow by Kahneman Guns, Germs, and Steel by Diamond The World According To Monsanto by Robin The Organized Mind by Levitin The Vital Question by Lane Life Ascending by Lane Chasing the Scream by Hari Anything By Gladwell.
on “Ask HN: What book have you given as a gift?” ↗