The essay draws on fictional and nonfiction accounts of Beat drug use, distinguishing between mind-expanding drugs, such as marijuana, or hallucinogens, such as LSD, and more addictive substances, such as opiates and amphetamines. The essay contextualizes Beat drug use in western literary traditions, while also encouraging course instructors to consider the gender, race, and class differences in drug use and the persistent racial and class stereotyping fuelling anti-drug rhetoric
