How Did Addiction Begin in the World, and What Was the Cure for Addiction at That Time?
Addiction didn’t just pop up out of nowhere in the 20th century. It’s been quietly following humanity for thousands of years — like a shadow, always just behind our desires. But how did it all start? And before modern science, what did people do to fight it?
Let’s take a walk through time to see how addiction crept into civilization and how people, even without pharmaceuticals or modern clinics, tried to break free from it.
A Glimpse into Ancient Addictions
The First Known Substance Addictions
Long before fancy pills and clinical rehab centers, humans had a knack for chasing altered states. Our ancestors discovered mind-altering substances as early as 5,000 years ago.
Opium in Ancient Civilizations
Opium poppies were cultivated in Mesopotamia as early as 3400 B.C. Known as the “joy plant,” opium was used for pain relief—and probably for pleasure too. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used it. And let’s be honest, once someone felt that euphoric high, walking away from it wasn’t easy.
Alcohol in Mesopotamia and Egypt
Beer and wine were part of everyday life in many ancient societies. But even then, people drank not just to relax but to escape. Ancient texts hint at public drunkenness, and even early attempts to curb excessive drinking.
The Evolution of Addiction Through History
From Herbal Remedies to Hard Narcotics
As civilizations grew, so did experimentation. The Chinese used cannabis in medicine. Indigenous cultures chewed coca leaves and hallucinogenic plants for rituals — and sometimes just to cope with hard lives.
Colonialism and the Spread of Substances
Here’s where things took a darker turn.
The British Opium Trade
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain profited off exporting opium to China. The result? Widespread addiction, public health crises, and wars. Yes, literal wars were fought over a drug trade.
When Did Society Recognize Addiction as a Problem?
Medical vs Moral Perceptions
Back then, people didn’t see addiction as a “disease.” If you were hooked, you were seen as weak, sinful, or morally flawed. Harsh, right?
19th-Century Shifts in Attitudes
By the late 1800s, medical professionals started noticing that some patients using morphine or laudanum couldn’t stop. The idea of “dependency” took root—slowly but surely.
Early Attempts to Cure Addiction
Spiritual and Religious Interventions
With limited medical understanding, many people turned to religion. Prayer, confession, and exorcisms were seen as cures. Some even joined monasteries or religious cults to escape temptation.
Isolation and Institutional Treatments
Others were locked away in asylums or sent to remote retreats. The goal? Cut them off from substances — and sometimes, from society altogether. Unfortunately, this often did more harm than good.
The Birth of Modern Addiction Treatments
Introduction of Methadone
Fast forward to the 20th century. World War II veterans returned home with morphine addictions. Doctors needed something to help them—something that could reduce withdrawal without creating a new addiction.
What Is Methadone?
Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid. Unlike heroin or morphine, it doesn’t deliver an intense high. Instead, it eases cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Think of it as the “buffer” that lets the brain slowly adjust to sobriety.
Why Methadone Became a Game-Changer
It was the first real, structured way to manage addiction instead of punishing it. Clinics began to offer methadone tablets and liquid doses to those seeking recovery. Finally, there was hope — without stigma.
Understanding Methadone Today
How Methadone 20mg Works
Today, methadone 20mg is a common dosage used in maintenance therapy. It binds to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, but without the extreme euphoria. It’s like tricking the brain into thinking it’s satisfied — helping patients reclaim their lives without falling off the wagon.
Methadone Tablets vs Other Treatments
While newer treatments like buprenorphine exist, methadone tablets are still widely used, especially in areas with limited access to newer meds. They’re affordable, effective, and have decades of research backing them.
Stigma, Struggles, and Stories
Real-Life Impact of Recovery Programs
Many who’ve walked through hell and back credit methadone programs with saving their lives. It’s not just about quitting drugs; it’s about rebuilding relationships, careers, and self-worth. And that’s priceless.
A World Still Learning
Global Approaches to Addiction Now
Different countries take different stances. In Portugal, drug use is decriminalized — and guess what? Their recovery rates are better than ever. Meanwhile, other places still cling to outdated “just say no” ideologies.
Where Are We Headed?
Science keeps evolving. New brain therapies, emotional support systems, and integrative treatments are being explored. But at the heart of it, empathy is still the most powerful medicine.
Conclusion
Addiction has always been part of the human experience — an invisible thread woven through our history. From ancient opium dens to methadone clinics, the journey has been long, painful, and at times, enlightening.
Methadone, especially in the form of methadone 20mg and methadone tablets, marked a pivotal shift — from judgment to understanding, from punishment to healing.
Today, we’re more equipped than ever to deal with addiction. But we must never forget the lesson history taught us: addiction is not a moral failure — it’s a human condition that deserves compassion, care, and real solutions.
FAQs
1. What is methadone used for?
Methadone is primarily used to treat opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It also helps manage chronic pain.
2. Is methadone 20mg a high dose?
It’s a moderate dose. Doctors tailor the dosage to each person’s needs. Some start lower and gradually adjust.
3. Are methadone tablets better than liquid methadone?
It depends on individual preference and availability. Tablets are more convenient for some, while clinics may prefer liquid for easier dose control.
4. Was addiction treated in ancient times?
Yes, though not with modern medicine. People used spiritual rituals, isolation, or herbal detox remedies to manage dependency.
5. Can someone fully recover using methadone?
Absolutely. Many people live healthy, productive lives on methadone. For some, it’s a lifelong aid; for others, a temporary bridge to complete recovery.
