Diseases of the Will: Alcohol and the Dilemmas of Freedom (Cambridge Studies in Law and Society)

While associated with comfort and pleasure, alcohol has been and is a 'problem' substance, both for medical and political authorities and for many drinkers. In this broad-ranging and innovative historical-sociological investigation, Valverde explores the ways in which both authorities and individual consumers have defined and managed the pleasures and dangers of alcoholic beverages. The author explores the question of free will versus determinism and how it has been challenged by ideas about addiction, morality and psychology during the last 150 years. The book draws on sources from the US, UK, Canada and elsewhere, and covers topics including nineteenth century 'dipsomania', the history of inebriate homes, Alcoholics Anonymous, fetal alcohol education and liquor control. It will appeal to readers in legal studies, criminology, sociology, psychology, social theory and the history of medicine. While Associated With Comfort And Pleasure, Alcohol Continues To Be A 'problem' Substance, Both For Medical And Political Authorities And For Many Drinkers. In This Broad-ranging And Innovative Historical-sociological Investigation, Valverde Explores The Ways In Which Both Authorities And Individual Consumers Have Defined And Managed The Pleasures And Dangers Of Alcoholic Beverages. Paradoxically, Excessive Drinking Has Been Perceived To Weaken 'the Free Will' And To Be Simultaneously Caused By A Weakness Of The Will. Valverde Explores How The Notion Of A Free Will Has Been Challenged By Ideas About Addiction. Based On Years Of Original Research, And Drawing On North American, British And Other Sources, This Book Discusses Nineteenth Century 'dipsomania', The History Of Inebriate Homes, Postwar American Notions Of 'the Alcoholic Personality', Alcoholics Anonymous, Fetal Alcohol Education, And Liquor Control And Licencing.--jacket. 1. Disease Or Habit? Alcoholism And The Exercise Of Freedom -- 2. Repairing Diseased Wills: Victorian Science And Pastoral Medicine Before Alcoholism -- 3. The Fragmentation Of Inebriety -- 4. Enlightened Hedonism: The Emergence Of Alcohol Science In The United States -- 5. The Power Of Powerlessness: Alcoholics Anonymous' Techniques For Governing The Self -- 6. The Liquor Of Government And The Government Of Liquor -- 7. Reducing Risks, Replacing Fluids -- 8. Judicial Diagnostics: Intoxicated Automatism And The Resurrection Of The Will -- Appendix: The Twelve Steps. Mariana Valverde. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.