Alcoholism in America: From Reconstruction to Prohibition

Alcoholism in America tells the story of physicians, politicians, court officials, and families struggling to address the problem of excessive alcohol consumption at the turn of the century. Beginning with the formation of the American Association for the Cure of Inebriates in 1870 and concluding with the enactment of Prohibition in 1920, historian Sarah Tracy examines the effect of the disease concept of alcoholism on individual drinkers and their families and friends, as well as the ongoing battle between policy makers and the professional medical community for jurisdiction over alcohol problems.