The Rise and Fall of Amphetamines in America

This chapter examines the extensive use of amphetamines during World War II, detailing their role in boosting soldier morale and contrasting medicinal usage with recreational abuse. It further explores the normalization of these stimulants in post-war American society, culminating in a societal backlash that led to the establishment of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The chapter highlights the tightening of prescription requirements and the emergence of new street drugs as amphetamines became less accessible.