Ancient Aztec Prevention

When considering our attitudes towards drinking, it's a no-brainer to look at sociocultural influences. It's not surprising that our modern culture of consumption wasn't always the norm. Certain cultural groups held rituals and beliefs systems that served to protect against alcohol abuse.

Before contact with white settlers, ancient Aztecs heavily regulated drinking for ceremonial purposes. Alcohol consumption for recreational use was considered such a taboo, that the penalty was death. Aztecs were free from destruction created by alcohol abuse, until their cultural practices were altered by European influence.

(Culture and Substance Abuse Impact of Culture Affects Approach to Treatment Patrick Abbott, MD and Duane M. Chase, MD)

From French Fries to Shopping

Check out Time Magazine's "Types of Addiction" interactive map, as part of an article on addiction and the brain.

click here