This book provides information on the dangers of caffeine and energy drinks, both stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system. Middle-school students will learn the lowdown on the consequences of drug-use, describing the symptoms of addiction, including the physical, emotional, and social damage that can arise from substance abuse. Alarming facts and statistics share how prevalent drug abuse can be among teens. Personal stories of teens...

"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan, a radical challenge to how we think about drugs, and an exploration into the powerful human attraction to psychoactive plants -- and the equally powerful taboos. Of all the things humans rely on plants for -- sustenance, beauty, fragrance, flavor, fiber -- surely the most curious is our use of them to change consciousness: to stimulate or calm, fiddle with or completely alter, the qualities...

"This book is not about drug addiction, the preparation of gourmet beverages, psychology, religion, social classes, international trade, or love, art, or beauty. But, in telling the story of the natural and cultural history of caffeine, it necessarily encompasses all of these topics and many aspects of the human condition, fully considering the health impact of caffeine, and also taking an engaging tour of the fascinating cultural history of the drug...

Kicking the caffeine habit -- The chemistry of the enemy -- Why women should avoid coffee -- Caffeine and the central nervous system -- Caffeine, coffee and the heart -- Do you have the stomach for coffee? -- Caffeine, coffee, and cancer -- Double-trouble : kids and caffeine -- Are you hooked on caffeine? -- Breaking free from caffeine.