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.

01:00:03

Episode guests

Carl Erik Fisher

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Understanding Addiction: A Multifaceted Exploration

10min

The Opium Wars: Addiction and Imperial Power Dynamics

3min

The Complexities of Addiction: Vice or Disease?

3min

Understanding Addiction: The Biochemical and Psychological Landscape

4min

Understanding Addiction: A Historical and Modern Perspective

18min

Exploring Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment

2min

Understanding Addiction's Complexity

13min

Carl Erik Fisher is a psychiatrist, bioethicist and recovering alcoholic who has spent years tracing the history of addiction. His new book is The Urge: Our History of Addiction, a sweeping study of the issue and an urgent call for a more expansive, nuanced and compassionate view of one of society's most difficult challenges. In conversation with Carl is physicist, oceanographer and science presenter, Helen Czerski.

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