Throughout human history, addiction has been a pervasive issue, impacting individuals and society at large. From struggles with alcoholism to opium addiction and beyond, substance abuse has plagued people for centuries. But what about the earliest history of addiction treatment? How did ancient civilizations approach this complex issue, and what can we learn from them?
The Beginnings of Addiction Treatment
The earliest history of addiction treatment dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. The concept of addiction and its associated discourse can be traced back to the ancient times of Aristotle. Around 385 BC – 323 BC, Aristotle viewed substance dependence as a deficiency in an individual’s willpower, which he called “akrasia”. Although the finer details of his argument have been the subject of debate, the bottom line is that addiction has been a part of human existence since ancient times.
Back then, treatments for addiction were brutal and inhumane. The earliest history of addiction treatment used methods such as teeth-pulling, to name a less extreme one. Thankfully, civilization and addiction treatment methods have progressed since then.
In Egypt, medical texts from as early as 4000 BC describe using herbs and natural remedies to treat conditions such as alcoholism and opium addiction. However, it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that formal addiction treatment centers began to emerge.
Sobriety Circles
Between the mid-18th and early 19th centuries, communities dedicated to sobriety emerged, initially among Native American tribes that employed traditional healing practices to address alcohol addiction. In 1784, Dr. Benjamin Rush began to view alcoholism as a disorder that required treatment.
In 1810, he advocated establishing a “Sober House” to treat alcoholics. Then, in 1830, Dr. Samuel Woodward called for creating inebriated asylums. These calls led to the opening of lodging homes and inebriate homes in the 1850s, which offered brief stays focused on non-medical detoxification, abstinence, spiritual reframing, and immersion in newly established sobriety fellowships.
In 1864, the Inebriate Asylum of New York State was opened, the first medically operated facility in the US for substance abuse treatment.
The Rise of the Temperance Movement
The 19th century also saw the rise of the temperance movement, a social movement aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and promoting sobriety. Dr. Rush’s writings helped spark it. The movement gained traction in the United States, where excessive alcohol consumption was seen as threatening public health and morality.
As a result of the temperance movement, many addiction treatment centers were founded in the United States, often with a strong religious component. These centers focused on abstinence, prayer, and moral reform as the keys to overcoming addiction.
The Emergence of the Medical Model
In the early 20th century, addiction treatment shifted towards a more medical model. This approach viewed addiction as a disease rather than a moral failing and focused on treating the underlying physical and psychological causes.
One of the medical model pioneers was Dr. William Silkworth, who treated alcoholism at the Towns Hospital in New York City in the 1930s. Silkworth believed that alcoholism was a physical disease that required medical treatment. He introduced the concept of “alcoholism as an allergy” to explain why some people became addicted to alcohol while others did not.
The Birth of Alcoholics Anonymous
In 1935, two alcoholics, Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, founded Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a fellowship of individuals who shared their experience, strength, and hope in overcoming alcoholism. AA introduced the concept of the 12-step program, a spiritual approach to recovery that focused on admitting powerlessness over addiction, seeking a higher power, and making amends for past mistakes.
The 12-step program became a cornerstone of addiction treatment and has since been adapted for many other programs.
The Modern Era of Addiction Treatment
In the latter half of the 20th century, addiction treatment continued to evolve, with new therapies and approaches emerging. The medical model remained dominant, with the introduction of medications such as methadone and buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of holistic approaches to addiction treatment, which addresses addiction’s physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects. These approaches may include yoga, meditation, art therapy, and other complementary therapies.
Treating Addiction with Diamond Recovery
At Diamond Recovery, we prioritize providing the highest quality care and respect to each of our patients. We understand that every person’s journey is unique, so we strive to honor that individuality in our approach to treatment. Rather than solely focusing on the disease of addiction, we focus on treating the whole person, recognizing their unique strengths, challenges, and needs. By taking a personalized approach to addiction treatment, our aim is to support each patient in achieving lasting recovery and a brighter future.
