Inciardi and McElrath's popular anthology is a collection of contemporary and classic articles on the changing patterns, problems, perspectives, and policies of legal and illicit drug use. The editors focus on the social contexts in which drug usage, drug-related problems, and drug policies occur. The American Drug Scene covers all major areas as well as alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs. Other topics include gender and addiction, sexual identity and drug use, the symbolic meaning of drug taking, drug treatment and recovery without treatment, the relationship between drugs and violence, cross-cultural research into drug use, and policy issues. The fifth edition includes thirteen new articles that address such topics as gender and "binge" drinking; cross-cultural research into marijuana use; crystal methamphetamine use among gay men; perceptions of risk and MDMA/Ecstasy; ADHD and Ritalin; gender and drug treatment; OxyContin and crime; and a discussion of safe injection facilities.