ABSTRACT
In order to better understand the challenges of workings with substance use disorders, it is important to place this within the context of human history. This chapter traces the historical trajectory of the use of mood- and mind-altering substances via three parallel and sometimes overlapping pathways: use for necessity and pleasure; use as a medicinal substance; and use as part of a religious ritual. What the reader will discover is that human culture is entwined with the use of alcohol and other mood and mind altering substances; moreover, the assumptions and perceptions of use and abuse have shifted and changed as human culture has evolved.
This chapter and subsequent chapters conclude with a narrative of either an individual in long-term recovery from addiction or alcoholism or of a family member. This is to allow the reader who may not have personal or professional experience with substance use disorders to gain some insight into the nature of these disorders from a first-person perspective.
Finally, the chapter includes discussion questions that can be used for in-class exercises or written assignments.
