Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s introduction of cocaine-induced brilliance in Sherlock Holmes’ problem-solving skills is just one example of a reference to drug use in classic literature. Other times, authors include actual descriptions of the highs, downward crash, and the destruction brought about by drug use. These lead into novels like this being highly controversial.
The topic of drug use is rampant with different opinions. In this post, we hope to share books that deal with the theme of drugs, including both fiction and nonfiction. We entrust judgment to the reader as to which types of books you resonate with.
12 Books About Drugs to Chew On
If you’re looking for well-told tales about drugs and drug users, both nonfiction and fiction include a wide array of options:
1. Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.
This is considered one of the most famous drug-themed novels in history. Follow the story of three young men in Brooklyn, whose heroin dealing lead them to their own addiction and losing control of their lives. A bit of trivia: critics describe this book as not just about drug addiction but also about the vanity of the American Dream.
2. Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
SPOILER ALERT: If you don’t want to find out the ending to this book, please skip reading this summary.
In this classic mystery, Collins takes us through different eyewitnesses to find the missing diamond, which had a rich history in India. Through the ramblings and sometimes misleading evidence, we stumble upon what turns out to be an opium-driven action.
3. The Man with the Golden Arm by Nelson Algren
Frankie is a World War II veteran who comes home with a morphine addiction. In his poverty, he struggles to survive in the inner city with his drug habit, his dream to become a famous musician, and the problems of having an affair.
4. Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Based on real-life experiences, this novel portrays the effects that drugs have on the life of Ellen Hopkins’ daughter Kristina, whom crystal meth transforms into the hardened and rebellious Bree, giving us a clear picture of the dangerous spiral of this unwanted addiction.
5. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
In this novel, Hunter Thompson describes a fictional trip to Las Vegas where he explores the problem of radicalism in America during the 1960s, and also takes a hit against the problems of pursuing the American dream. It includes a few descriptions of drug-induced hallucinations alongside the harsh reality of life.
6. Wrecked by Heather Henson
This story follows the lives of three teenagers who are caught right in the opioid crisis in the rural areas of Appalachia. Miri has always enjoyed living with her dad, whom everyone calls “the Wizard,” but when she becomes friends with Fen, his agent father becomes a bit too interested in Miri’s family.
7. The Story of Junk by Linda Yablonksy
Follow the life of a middle-class young woman who finds herself using heroin, and eventually dealing it. But don’t be misled, this is not just your ordinary sad drug story; instead, you also get a glimpse into the artist subculture that allows addiction and dealing to thrive.
8. Junky by William Burroughs
This honest look at the joys of drug use is balanced on the other end by a just-as-transparent portrayal of its perversities. Through this novel, the author ended up pioneering a new literary format called the cut-up, giving us a picture of the smashed-up consciousness of the drug addict.
9. The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson
This autobiographical account shares David Wilkerson’s personal experience living among and helping the drug-laden gangs in New York. From speaking to seven gang members being tried for murder, he’s thrown into a life of helping the inner city teenagers break free from a life of crime and drugs.
10. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
This diary-format novel shows the downward spiral of a teen into the darkness of drug use. It started innocently enough: with an LSD-laced soft drink in a seemingly harmless party game. Before long, she was completely hooked, taking her away from her loving family into the dangerous streets of a heartless city.
11. Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
This unique book comes with several narrators speaking in different dialects, detailing the lives of a group living in Scotland who share an addition to heroin. Despite their being friends, the drug is always number one.
12. Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari
This is a bit of a controversial read, as it takes an honest look at how the war on drugs progressed, beginning with Billie Holiday’s prosecution in America in the 1950s, to the effect of criminalization in the modern day. Could it be possible that its being banned has made it a more lucrative trade, wreaking havoc on countless human lives?
Books About Drugs
Reading books about drugs and drug use can be a great way to gain understanding into the lives of those who are hooked, whether they are users or dealers. We hope that some of these books can help you or anyone you know live life to its full potential, without the devastating effects of an unwanted addiction.
If you’re stuck in a cycle of drug addiction and want to break free, please know that this booklist is not a replacement for seeking professional help.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
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Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
