For hundreds of years, the United States has played host to an inventive subculture focusing on the benefits of alcoholic drinks. In fact, since their landing on our shores in the 1600s, the Puritans began crafting fermented drinks from natural sources and created special beers from imported hops. However, at some point, some people just have to learn to say “no,” as the public began to find out. Even today, people will sometimes find any excuse to drink a shot of vodka or a glass of wine, claiming it is good for their health or a social element. Unfortunately, that first taste can sometimes instigate severe bouts of addiction and abuse. So when did public distaste for alcoholic drinks start? Let’s look back at the early Temperance Movement in the United States and find out more.
Need for Change
As far back as the 1600s, Puritans started creating alcoholic drinks out of natural sources and hops (imported), which were enjoyed by men, women, and children alike. While the initial purpose of these drinks was to ensure the cleanliness of the water and other substances, wariness began to brew in the United States (no pun intended) near the turn of the century. As far back as 1787, the public began pushing for temperance (limitation on alcohol or total abstinence), initially jump-starting the movement by means of the nation’s first “temperance society” based in the State of Connecticut. Later, additional groups including the American Temperance Society, the Anti-Saloon League, and the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement started popping up across the nation.
Drying Up
Interestingly, some of the first supporters of the temperance movement in the United States were women who had suffered at the hands of abused alcoholic husbands or whose children had been victimized by alcoholics. Overall, the movement was inspired by the words of Dr. Benjamin Rush, who strongly believed that alcoholism was a severe disease. Adhering to the beliefs of the Pennsylvania physician, the public began no longer perceived alcohol as a medicine but as a menace to society.
In 1851, Maine officially became the first state to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, and its decision ultimately spurred the Prohibition in 1919.
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
