A vast literature exists of studies on alcohol and drug use in the United States. Those new to the subject may feel overwhelmed by this abundance, unsure where to begin. A good place to start is the edited collection, Altering American Consciousness: The History of Alcohol and Drug Use in the United States, 1800–2000, compiled by Sarah W. Tracy and Caroline Jean Acker. Covering a broad range of psychoactive substances, the text helps readers consider the shifting cultural contexts that have shaped perceptions of different substances over time (e.g., what is considered a “hard” or “soft” drug), from alcohol and nicotine to cocaine and heroin. For studies that focus on more specific topics in greater detail, there are several major themes that typically arise.
