Intelligence Squared Chasing the Urge: Addiction Throughout History, with Carl Erik Fisher
Feb 25, 2022
Carl Erik Fisher, a psychiatrist, bioethicist, and recovering alcoholic, joins physicist Helen Czerski to discuss his book on the history of addiction. They explore addiction as a complex issue intertwined with identity and societal constructs, emphasizing compassion in treatment. Fisher critiques historical perspectives, such as the use of addiction for social control during the opium wars. The duo also examines the changing landscape of recovery, the promise of psychedelics in mental health, and the need for community support and tailored approaches in addressing addiction.
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Personal Struggle
- Despite external achievements, Carl Erik Fisher struggled with addiction, highlighting its complexity.
- His drive for validation fueled denial, mirroring his parents' dynamic with alcohol.
Addiction as Control
- Historically, addiction has been used as a control method, exemplified by the Opium Wars.
- The British forced opium on China for economic gain, then blamed China's decline on the drug.
Disease vs. Vice
- Viewing addiction as solely a disease or a vice is an oversimplification.
- The "disease" label can both help (advocacy) and harm (stigmatization) understanding.
