What is Addiction?

The history of alcohol and drug addiction spans millennia, beginning in prehistoric times when early humans used fermented beverages for social, medicinal, and ritualistic purposes. Ancient cultures also utilized psychoactive plants, such as opium and cannabis, in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine. During the Middle Ages, alcohol became a staple in Europe, with wine and beer often considered safer than water, particularly in monasteries that pioneered brewing and distillation. The opium trade flourished during this period, especially in the Middle East and Asia, where opium was used both recreationally and medicinally.

The 19th century saw significant developments with the Industrial Revolution, which increased the mass production of alcohol and introduced addictive substances like morphine. The Opium Wars highlighted the social and economic impacts of addiction, particularly in conflicts over opium trade. In the early 20th century, the Temperance Movement gained momentum, driven by growing concerns over alcohol abuse, culminating in Prohibition in the United States from 1920 to 1933. This ban on the manufacture and sale of alcohol led to a surge in illegal production and organized crime. After Prohibition ended, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded in 1935, providing a peer-support recovery model that gained widespread acceptance.

The mid-20th century brought increased awareness of drug addiction, with the establishment of treatment centers and rehabilitation programs. The War on Drugs in the 1980s further heightened public awareness and introduced harsher penalties for drug offenses. By the late 20th century, harm reduction strategies began to emerge, focusing on minimizing the negative consequences of drug use rather than solely emphasizing abstinence.

Entering the 21st century, the opioid crisis became a pressing public health issue, driven by the rising prescription of opioids and resulting in widespread addiction and overdose epidemics. This crisis prompted urgent calls for improved treatment and prevention strategies. Today, the understanding of alcohol and drug addiction continues to evolve, with ongoing research and advocacy aimed at enhancing prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts, reflecting a growing recognition of addiction as a complex disease.