Virtually all known human groups have devised and regularly used techniques for altering consciousness, among which alcohol and drugs are prominent. The authors offer a provocative analysis of the philosophical, sociological, and historical background of the attempt to control consciousness-altering drugs in modern industrial societies. In considering the right of individuals to diversify and enrich their experience versus the obligations of government to protect their citizens, they enable readers to step back for a moment and examine alternative ways of looking at what is usually called the drug problem.