CNS Productions


CNS Productions is a publisher of educational materials — primarily textbooks and instructional DVDs — dealing with psychoactive drugs and addiction. It was formed in 1983 by Paul Steinbroner, with long-time collaborator William E. Cohen who had an extensive background in medical film production. CNS Productions has produced and distributed over fifty separate titles on issues related to the neurobehavioral effects of psychoactive drugs.
Darryl Inaba, PharmD, former CEO and President of San Francisco's Haight Ashbury Free Clinic served as a consultant on all of the films CNS produced, and co-authored Uppers, Downers, All Arounders which was originally published in 1989 to support the film of the same name. Inaba formally joined CNS in 2006.
"CNS" is a reference to the central nervous system.

Publications

Uppers, Downers, All Arounders: Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs by William E. Cohen, and Darryl Inaba, PharmD
Uppers, Downers, All Arounders, a college-level textbook, addresses psychoactive drugs and compulsive behaviors, relying on the most current data and studies as well as practical information and interviews drawn from treatment professionals and their clients. The material provides insights into the complex fields of drug abuse, compulsive behaviors, addiction, treatment, recovery, and prevention. It has been adopted by over 400 colleges and universities.
Printing History — Editions
  • First: 1989
  • Second: 1993
  • Third: 1997
  • Fourth: 2000
  • Fifth: 2004
  • Sixth: 2007
  • Seventh: 2011
  • Eighth: 2014
Beyond Opiates: The Evolving Science of Pain and Addiction by Paul J. Steinbroner and Darryl S. Inaba, 2015
This 40-page, hand-illustrated graphic novella is a tool for educators and treatment providers seeking an engaging and entertaining way to introduce people to the science of opiate addiction. The novella demonstrates the information from our feature film in an easy-to-understand and accessible format that will educate and open pathways for discussion. Featured topics include natural pain relievers vs. pain killers, tolerance and hyperalgesia, withdrawal and PAWS, understanding craving, and more.

Films