Carl Erik Fisher, "The Urge: Our History of Addiction" (Penguin, 2022)

Carl Erik Fisher, "The Urge: Our History of Addiction" (Penguin, 2022)

What if the story of addiction is as old as humanity itself? In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', Carl Erik Fisher takes listeners on a journey through the ages with his book 'The Urge: Our History of Addiction'. Fisher, who is both a clinician and a recovering alcoholic, offers a unique perspective that combines personal experience with scholarly insight.

He dives into the evolution of addiction, tracing its roots back centuries and examining how our understanding and treatment methods have changed over time. The episode covers everything from ancient philosophies to modern science, touching on literature, religion, and public policy along the way. Fisher's narrative is enriched by his own struggles with addiction, providing a raw and empathetic viewpoint that many will find relatable.

He challenges the narrow definitions of addiction that have dominated recent discourse and highlights the often harmful one-size-fits-all treatment models. The discussion also delves into the political landscape, examining how legal systems have shaped—and often hindered—effective addiction treatment. If you're curious about the complexities of addiction and eager to understand it from multiple angles, this episode is a must-listen.