( Hilary Valdez )
Before the dawn of social media, archeologists discovered 4,000-year-old clay images of people brewing, storing, and drinking beer in forgotten tombs scattered throughout the ancient world. Before refrigerators and ice cubes, the Babylonians made sixteen kinds of beer, using white and black barley, wheat and honey. Beer was glorified in the Egyptian Book of the Dead and was referred to as the “beer of truth” and “beer of eternity.”
Substance use and abuse have existed throughout human history. Some cultures consumed mind-altering substances for medicinal, ceremonial, and recreational purposes. Just prior and during the Industrial Revolution of the late 1800s, morphine, cocaine, and heroin were synthesized and marketed as non-addictive medications.
Just in the U.S. alone, the trends and societal acceptance of certain substances throughout different decades have varied and changed. In the early 1900s, unregulated tonics containing cocaine and opium were popular and led to an estimated 200,000 cocaine addicts in the United States. Alcohol use from 1925-1945 was famously banned during the Prohibition leading to the rise of organized crime and illicit alcohol trade. Later, psychedelics and marijuana-use would grow during the 50s, 60s and 70s. In the 80s, crack cocaine would enter the mix, though by this time many of the substances that were previously legal were now either prohibited or highly-regulated by the government.
During the 1990s, the popularity of crystal methamphetamine, a smokable form of methamphetamine commonly referred to as “ice,” began to increase in the United States. Later, fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid analgesic used to manage severe pain for cancer patients and post-surgical recovery, garnered a stronghold.
In recent years, fentanyl has gained notoriety due to its increasing presence in illicit drug markets, often being mixed with other substances such as heroin, cocaine, or counterfeit prescription pills. However, its potential for misuse and addiction, coupled with the rising incidence of illicit fentanyl-related overdoses, make it a lethal drug.
While drug-use and the rise and fall of certain narcotics and substances, alcohol never lost its allure and place in social acceptance. Alcohol addiction is a major health issue in the U.S. with over 28.9 million people ages 12 and older having an Alcohol Use Disorder, according to a 2023 report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Alcohol causes more disease, destruction, and death than all illegal drugs combined.
Whether it’s drugs, alcohol or a mix, substance abuse and addiction are detrimental to one’s health, family and community. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, resources are available. Visit Military OneSource or USA.gov’s substance abuse resource line for help.
If you feel unsure about what to do, examine the consequences. Life is change; growth is optional.
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Hilary Valdez is a freelancer living in Tokyo, Japan. He is an experienced Mental Health professional and Resiliency Trainer. Valdez is a former Marine and has worked with the military most of his career and most recently worked at Camp Zama as a Master Resiliency Trainer. Valdez now has a private practice and publishes books on social and psychological issues. His books are available on Amazon and for Kindle. Learn more about Valdez and contact him at his website or email (InstantInsights@hotmail.com). Follow his YouTube channel Hilary’s Quick Talk for more insights.
