Matthew R. Pembleton, “Containing Addiction: The Federal Bureau of Narcotics and the Origins of America’s Global Drug Wars” (University of Massachusetts Press, 2017Matthew R. Pembleton, “Containing Addiction: The Federal Bureau of Narcotics and the Origins of America’s Global Drug Wars” (University of Massachusetts Press, 2017
New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
It’s common to place the start of the War on Drugs with the Nixon or Reagan Administrations, but as Matthew Pembleton tells us, those are only phases II and III of a much longer drug war that began in the 1930s with the long-forgotten Federal Bureau of...
33:54•25 May 2018
Tracing the Roots of America's Drug Wars with Matthew Pembleton
“You can't really police drugs out of existence, nor can you make the country ever safe.”
Ever wondered where America's war on drugs really began? In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', Matthew Pembleton takes us back to the 1930s, long before Nixon or Reagan declared their famous battles. Pembleton's book, *Containing Addiction: The Federal Bureau of Narcotics and the Origins of America’s Global Drug Wars*, sheds light on a largely forgotten chapter in U.S. history.
He introduces us to the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, an agency that many have never heard of, and its charismatic yet controversial leaders who played pivotal roles in shaping America's drug policies. But it doesn't stop there. The discussion dives into the agency's international reach, the notorious MKUltra program, and how national security concerns intertwined with drug control efforts.
Pembleton also touches on the recurring themes of medical treatment, addiction, and the legal battles that have shaped America's ongoing struggle with drugs. If you're curious about how past policies echo in today's opioid crisis or how historical figures influenced current drug laws, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. It's an engaging mix of history, politics, and social issues that will leave you thinking about America's drug wars in a whole new light.
Whether you're a history buff, a policy wonk, or someone interested in addiction and recovery, this episode has something for you.
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