At 29, as a newly minted physician in the psychiatry residency program at Columbia University, Dr. Carl Erik Fisher had much to look forward to – that is until his alcohol addiction landed him in New York City’s Bellevue hospital and nearly cost him everything.

In this episode, we talk with him about that experience and how it inspired his new book, The Urge: Our History of Addiction. In it, he shares his personal experience with addiction and recovery, and offers a comprehensive look at how society has defined, treated, and tried to control addictive behavior for centuries. 

Is there a better way to think about addiction? And, can that help us to create more compassionate and effective treatments and strategies? 

GUEST:
Dr. Carl Erik Fisher, Author, The Urge: Our History of Addiction

GUEST BIO:
Dr. Carl Erik Fisher is the author of The Urge: Our History of Addiction, which explores how, over the centuries, society has historically, philosophically, scientifically, and socially grappled with the nature of addiction, its complexity, and how to treat it. In the book, he draws on his experiences as an addiction physician, bioethicist, and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia, as well as an alcoholic in recovery, as he examines treatments and strategies that have helped, as well as hurt, those struggling with addiction. He has also written for various publications, including Nautilus, Slate, Scientific American MIND, and other outlets. His clinical work focuses on applications of meditation and mindfulness. He also hosts the podcast Flourishing After Addiction, an interview series focused on addiction and recovery. Born and raised in New Jersey, he  lives between Brooklyn, New York, and Lisbon, Portugal, with his partner and son.

LINKS:
The Urge: Our History of Addiction  (https://www.carlerikfisher.com/book)

Twitter, Instagram: @DrCarlErik 

Dr. Carl Erik Fisher on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DrCarlErik/)

Flourishing After Addiction podcast (https://www.carlerikfisher.com/flourishing)

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