Up until Minecraft 1.7.10 I enjoyed playing in adventure mode, which restricts one to use the right tools to destroy or harvest blocks (to have a more realistic experience).

In this version (and before that), it was still possible to *place* blocks without much restrictions. But now in 1.8, sadly, I discovered that this behaviour was changed, and my favourite gamemode was "gone": I'm unable to place any blocks and cannot break any blocks even when using the proper tool (axe for trees etc.).

How can I emulate 1.7.10's adventure mode while playing the new version (1.8)? Can I define rules for every tool with the command block somehow?

I would prefer a solution without modding the game, staying with pure vanilla MC if possible.