Addiction “Cures” of the Late 19th Century EP 6

Addiction “Cures” of the Late 19th Century EP 6

Imagine living in a time when addiction was 'treated' with methods that today would seem more like torture than therapy. In this episode of 'Weekly Infusion', Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce welcome drug historian Dr. David Courtwright to uncover the peculiar and often dangerous addiction treatments of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

From cold turkey methods to the infamous keeley institutes and even insulin shock therapy, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a past where the science of addiction treatment was still in its infancy. Dr. Courtwright sheds light on how these early attempts at curing addiction were often misguided, lacking any reliable, evidence-based approaches. Yet, they laid the groundwork for the complex field of addiction treatment we navigate today.

While some historical figures even blamed addiction on masturbation, the episode also serves as a reminder of how far we've come and how each patient's journey is unique and ever-changing. Perfect for history buffs and those interested in the evolution of medical treatments, this episode promises to both educate and entertain.