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Human enhancement drugs : [publication] : the emerging challenges to public health /

by Evans-Brown, Michael.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: Liverpool : North West Public Health Observatory, 2012Description: 158 p. : ill. ; 30 cm.SAPHIR theme(s): Santé publique | Médicament - PharmacieMeSH subject(s): Body Modification, Non-Therapeutic | Human Development | Image Enhancement | Mood Disorders | Pharmaceutical Preparations | Performance-Enhancing Substances | Public Health | Mood Disorders -- drug therapyAddiction suisse subject(s): Doping | Medikament | Leistung | Oeffentliches GesundheitswesenPUBLICATION TYPE SAPHIR: ReportOnline resources: Date de consultation : 19.04.2012 Summary: Public health faces a new kind of drug problem with the growing prevalence of so˜called "enhancement drugs" that have the potential to improve human attributes and abilities. The widespread availability of such drugs has generated a new and growing audience of users. People are seeking out enhancement drugs in a quest to improve their bodies and minds˜to look younger and more beautiful, to be stronger, happier and more intelligent.These types of drugs share a few similarities with recreational or addictive drugs˜such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and "legal highs"- but also attract people who do not necessarily perceive themselves as "Edrug users" and are vulnerable to cultural pressures to optimise their bodies. Manufacturers and retailers around the world are tapping into the demand for such drugs by harnessing innovations in science and medicine, as well as improvements in transport and communication networks. Significantly, in the case of illicit markets, retailers are able to circumvent national laws and regulation with creative and persuasive marketing strategies via the Internet. Often their customers are duped or remain unaware of the considerable harms associated with usage of these drugs, a situation that presents a threat to public health and throws up challenges for healthcare systems around the world. [Part of the summary] [Contents] : 1. Scope of the report - 2. The historical context - 3. The current context - 4. The harms to public health - 5. Drugs used to enhance the structure and function of muscle - 6. Drugs used to enhance weight loss - 7. Drugs used to enhance the appearance of the skin and hair - 8. Drugs used to enhance sexual function and behaviour - 9. Drugs used to enhance cognitive function - 10. Drugs used to enhance mood and social behaviours - 11. Discussion - Glossary ˜ References
Item type Current location Call number Status Date due
Addiction Suisse; Bibliothèque
Bibliothèque
GL-1195 (Browse shelf) Available

Public health faces a new kind of drug problem with the growing prevalence of so˜called "enhancement drugs" that have the potential to improve human attributes and abilities. The widespread availability of such drugs has generated a new and growing audience of users. People are seeking out enhancement drugs in a quest to improve their bodies and minds˜to look younger and more beautiful, to be stronger, happier and more intelligent.These types of drugs share a few similarities with recreational or addictive drugs˜such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and "legal highs"- but also attract people who do not necessarily perceive themselves as "Edrug users" and are vulnerable to cultural pressures to optimise their bodies. Manufacturers and retailers around the world are tapping into the demand for such drugs by harnessing innovations in science and medicine, as well as improvements in transport and communication networks. Significantly, in the case of illicit markets, retailers are able to circumvent national laws and regulation with creative and persuasive marketing strategies via the Internet. Often their customers are duped or remain unaware of the considerable harms associated with usage of these drugs, a situation that presents a threat to public health and throws up challenges for healthcare systems around the world. [Part of the summary] [Contents] : 1. Scope of the report - 2. The historical context - 3. The current context - 4. The harms to public health - 5. Drugs used to enhance the structure and function of muscle - 6. Drugs used to enhance weight loss - 7. Drugs used to enhance the appearance of the skin and hair - 8. Drugs used to enhance sexual function and behaviour - 9. Drugs used to enhance cognitive function - 10. Drugs used to enhance mood and social behaviours - 11. Discussion - Glossary ˜ References