Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Elizabeth Kelly Gray, "Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America, 1776-1914" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Elizabeth Kelly Gray, "Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America, 1776-1914" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Elizabeth Kelly Gray, "Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America, 1776-1914" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Sunday 18th January 2026
Explore the history of drug addiction in America with Elizabeth Kelly Gray, from opium dens to modern parallels.
59 minutes
Informative
Educational
Inspiring
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About this podcast
Author:
Marshall Poe
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Relationships & Community
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Get the buttons here!Uncovering America's Early Drug Addiction History
Episode Overview
- Before 1914, drugs like opiates were freely available in America.
- Middle-class white women often became addicted through medical prescriptions.
- The Harrison Narcotic Tax Act marked a significant regulatory shift.
- Cultural perceptions of cannabis were influenced by global narratives.
- Historical drug policies have parallels with today's opioid crisis.
"Before 1914, drugs were freely available, and addiction wasn't linked to crime."
Ever wondered what it takes to understand the deep-rooted history of drug addiction in America? In this engaging episode, host Rachel Pagonis chats with Elizabeth Kelly Gray, author of "Habit Forming: Drug Addiction in America, 1776-1914." The discussion takes you on a historical journey through America's early years, where drug use was as common as apple pie.
Gray's research reveals how opiates and other substances were freely available, leading to widespread addiction without the stigma or legal consequences we see today. Elizabeth Kelly Gray shares her insights into the social and medical landscapes of the time, where middle-class white women often became addicted through medical prescriptions. The conversation also touches on the cultural perceptions of cannabis, influenced by global narratives, and how these shaped American attitudes.
Listeners will find parallels between historical and modern-day opioid crises, shedding light on how societal views and regulations have evolved—or sometimes stayed surprisingly similar. The episode also explores the impact of the Harrison Narcotic Tax Act of 1914, which marked a significant shift in drug regulation and its unintended consequences on crime and addiction. Gray's exploration of historical documents and personal anecdotes provides a rich tapestry of stories that illustrate the complexities of addiction.
This episode is not just a history lesson; it's a reflection on how past policies and perceptions continue to influence present-day issues. So, if you're curious about how history shapes our understanding of addiction today, this episode is a must-listen. Are we still repeating the same mistakes, or have we learned from our past?