Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Elizabeth Kelly Gray, "Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America, 1776-1914" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Elizabeth Kelly Gray, "Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America, 1776-1914" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Elizabeth Kelly Gray, "Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America, 1776-1914" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Friday 27th January 2023
Elizabeth Kelly Gray discusses America's early drug addiction history and evolving perceptions on 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction, and Recovery'.
60 minutes
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Marshall Poe
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Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Tracing America's Early Drug Addiction: Elizabeth Kelly Gray's Insightful Journey
So, and this is something that's been going on now for More Than Years.
Ever thought about how drug addiction started in America? Elizabeth Kelly Gray takes you on a captivating journey through her book 'Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America, 1776-1914'. In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction, and Recovery', host Marshall Poe dives into the unregulated world of opiates and other substances before the Harrison Narcotic Tax Act came into play in 1914. Gray reveals that drug use in the United States is as old as the nation itself.
From 'Hasheesh Candy' to opium dens, many Americans used these substances medically and became addicted. Interestingly, addiction wasn't linked to crime due to the lack of restrictive laws. The story gets even more intriguing when Gray explains how middle-class, white women were the most likely to become addicted during this period. The conversation also explores how the perception of addiction changed over time. Before the late 19th century, drug use wasn't seen as a major issue.
But as addiction became more visible, especially among poor young men, public support for regulations grew. The Harrison Narcotic Tax Act then marked a significant shift, making drug access a legal and social problem rather than just a health issue. Gray also touches on the history of alcohol use in America, noting it was about three times what it is today.
Before the Pure Food and Drug Act, manufacturers didn't have to disclose what was in their products, leading many to try anything that promised a cure. One fascinating aspect is Gray's focus on Baltimore's history with drug addiction. She shares how this city's story reflects broader national trends and provides a unique lens to understand America's struggle with drugs. If you're curious about how past perceptions and regulations shape today's approach to addiction treatment, this episode offers valuable insights.
It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the complex history of drug addiction in America.