History shows that people have always used intoxicants. In every age in every part of the world people have pursued intoxication with plants alcohol and other mind-altering substances. In fact this behaviour has so much force and persistence that it functions much like our drives for food sleep and sex. This fourth drive says psychopharmacologist Ronald K. Siegel is a natural part of our biology creating the irrepressible demand for intoxicating substances. In INTOXICATION Siegel draws upon his 20 years of groundbreaking research to provide countless examples of the intoxication urge in humans animals and even insects. The detailed observations of his so-called psychonauts - study participants trained explicitly to describe their drug experiences - as well as numerous studies with animals have helped him to identify the behaviour patterns induced by different intoxicants. Presenting his conclusions on the biological as well as cultural reasons for the pursuit of intoxication and showing that personality and guidance often define the outcome of a drug experience Siegel offers a broad understanding of the intoxication phenomenon as well as recommendations for curbing the negative aspects of drug use in Western culture by designing safe intoxicants.