Intelligence Squared Chasing the Urge – Addiction Throughout History
Apr 5, 2023
Carl Erik Fisher, a psychiatrist and author of 'The Urge: Our History of Addiction,' teams up with physicist Helen Czerski to explore the intricate history of addiction. They discuss its ties to identity, power, and commerce, advocating for a compassionate view of this complex issue. Delving into historical contexts like the Opium Wars, they challenge the simplistic views of addiction as merely a disease or vice. Their conversation also touches on the potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment and the importance of community support in recovery.
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Defining Addiction
- Addiction involves a loss of power and agency, making self-control difficult.
- It's a complex issue tied to choice and compulsion, not simply continued use despite negative consequences.
Person-First Language
- Avoid labeling people as "addicts," as it can be stigmatizing.
- Use person-first language like "person with addiction" to acknowledge their full identity.
Complexity of Addiction
- Oversimplifying addiction to single causes like lack of discipline is common but ineffective.
- A multifaceted approach, considering biological, personal, and social factors, is crucial.
