Education in Alcoholism and Treatment, 1-hr. –
Feb. 8, 2018 – This week, we devote an entire hour to what one important scholar deemed “the cause of and solution to all of life’s problems.” From its earliest role as a source of nourishment to its depictions in ancient literature, we examine the roots of mankind’s everlasting drinking problems. Plus, how a bizarre 60 Minutes piece spread the idea that red wine has medicinal effects. Then, a look at how popular culture has incorrectly framed Alcoholics Anonymous as the best and only option for addiction recovery. And, a scientist cooks up a synthetic substitute for booze.
1. Iain Gately, author of Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol, on the ancient origins of our core beliefs about booze.
2. Robert Taylor, assistant managing editor at Wine Spectator, on red wine’s constantly changing reputation as a healthy substance.
3. Gabrielle Glaser [@GabrielleGlaser], author of Her Best-Kept Secret: Why Women Drink – And How They Can Regain Control, on the history and P.R. methods of Alcoholics Anonymous.
4. David Nutt [@ProfDavidNutt], psychologist at Imperial College London, on his new alcohol substitute, “alcosynth.”
