Eric C. Schneider, “Smack: Heroin and the American City” (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008)

Eric C. Schneider, “Smack: Heroin and the American City” (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008)

Picture the smoky jazz clubs of the 1940s, where bebop legends like Charlie Parker made heroin seem almost glamorous. Fast forward to the gritty streets of New York City in the 1970s, where bands like The Velvet Underground turned drug use into a symbol of rebellion and cool. In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', host Marshall Poe sits down with Eric C. Schneider to discuss his eye-opening book, 'Smack: Heroin and the American City'.

Schneider takes listeners on a journey through the complex history of heroin in the United States, from its early days as a medical treatment to its devastating impact as an illegal drug. You'll hear about the social settings where heroin thrived, from jazz clubs to inner-city neighborhoods, and the government's often controversial responses, including the war on drugs. Schneider doesn't shy away from discussing the role of pharmaceutical companies in today's opioid crisis, drawing chilling parallels between past and present.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the multifaceted issues surrounding heroin use, its cultural implications, and the ongoing struggle against addiction. Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or someone affected by addiction, Schneider's insights offer a compelling look at how heroin has shaped—and continues to shape—American society.