Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society The Dark History of London’s Drug World
14 snips
Mar 11, 2025 
Join Professor Toby Seddon, a leading expert in drug policy from University College London, as he unravels the tumultuous drug scene in post-WW1 Soho. Discover how cocaine and morphine slipped from medicinal use to the trendy nightclubs and opium dens. Delve into compelling tales of female gangs ruling the nightlife, the evolution of Britain's drug perception, and the sensationalized lives of infamous 'dope kings.' The discussion also sheds light on the societal anxieties that shaped drug legislation during this vibrant yet risky era.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Drug Culture Emergence
- The concept of "drug culture" emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- This involved groups using drugs recreationally as a defining part of their identity.
Intoxication's History
- While drug culture is relatively modern, human desire for intoxication is ancient.
- Evidence suggests humans have always sought altered states, similar to basic needs like eating and sleeping.
Ancient Intoxication
- Even cave paintings hint at early hallucinogenic mushroom use, subject to interpretation.
- This suggests intoxication predates written history, potentially linking it to fundamental human drives.