Beschrijving

Slaying the Dragon – The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America by William L. White is a comprehensive chronicle of how the United States has responded—both personally and institutionally—to the challenges of alcoholism and addiction over the years. It traces the emergence of mutual-aid societies such as the Washingtonians, the Blue Ribbon Reform Clubs, and the Jacoby Club, and follows the development of formal treatment institutions from inebriate asylums to modern programs like Hazelden and Parkside.

The book then shifts to map the evolution of treatment interventions: from early “water cures” and moral reform efforts to aversion therapies, methadone maintenance, and the rise of the “Minnesota Model.” It explores how changing social attitudes, scientific advances, and policy frameworks shaped the field of addiction treatment.

Finally, White reflects on the modern era of addiction recovery, analyzing how the relationship between treatment professionals, mutual-aid groups, regulatory frameworks and cultural expectations has transformed. The narrative offers both a historical survey and a critical lens on what has worked, what hasn’t, and what future directions might look like in the struggle against addiction.