Alcohol and Opium in the Old West

Focusing on the Old West from the 1840s to around 1900, the book examines the significant impact of alcohol and drugs, particularly opium, on society during this transformative period. It highlights how heavy drinking and substance abuse emerged as pressing social issues for the first time in American history, reflecting the cultural and social dynamics of the era. Through this lens, the narrative sheds light on the complexities of life in the American frontier and the challenges posed by addiction.