The Opium Odyssey: From Medicine to Addiction in China

This chapter explores the historical surge of opium addiction in China from the late 18th to early 19th century, detailing the societal implications and governmental responses to the crisis. It contrasts Chinese opium use with that in the U.S. and U.K., and discusses the cultural normalization of opium across various classes. Through literary references and demographic analyses, the chapter illustrates opium's transformation from a medicinal remedy to a widespread societal issue, shaping both personal lives and broader cultural narratives.