Weekly Infusion

By the end of the nineteenth century, "addiction cures" were everywhere. Many people had become addicts at the hand of their own doctors, but The Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914 was poised to reclassify this hapless population as criminals. During this time, social and political activists called Muckrakers galvanized to expose the fraudulent practices of patent medicine companies. Drug historian and The Age of Addiction author Dr. David Courtwright is this week's expert.

This episode is sponsored by True Recovery.

It is widely believed that the Civil War created a legion of opium addicts, but some experts think otherwise. Drug historian and The Age of Addiction author, Dr. David Courtwright, joins us this week to discuss this period in history, as well as the first incident of iatrogenic addiction (addiction caused by physicians) in the United States, and the widespread use of patent medicines that was taking the nation by storm.

This episode is sponsored by True Recovery.

Learn which of America's founding fathers used opium derivatives, what caused the Chinese Opium Wars and how a young German chemist became the first person to isolate the chemical that would eventually be known as morphine. Expert Kenaz Filan provides additional historical insight.

This episode is sponsored by True Recovery.

Alexander the Great had a pivotal role in bringing the opium poppy to Asia and India. Expert Kenaz Filan weighs in on some of the flower's more interesting medical applications during antiquity.

This episode is sponsored by True Recovery. Go to drdrew.com.

Opioids and the problems they cause are in the headlines daily, but this drug's global impact actually began thousands of years ago. In this series, "The History of Opium," we will explore the substance's first known use in antiquity and work our way up to the current crisis. Our first installment features excerpts from an interview with author Kenaz Filan, whose book, "The Power of the Poppy: Harnessing Nature's Most Dangerous Ally," chronicles some of the earliest uses of papaver somniferum, aka the opium poppy.

This episode is sponsored by True Recovery. If you or someone you care for is dealing with addiction, you know that finding a treatment option that works for you can be extremely frustrating. The truth is, every patient's needs are different - and constantly evolving. TrueRecovery.com

And now, DrDrew.com presents "The History of Opium,"

This episode is presented by True Recovery, www.truerecovery.com

Drs. Drew and Bruce tackle the topic of hair loss and discuss the most current treatments. They are joined by Bill Edwards, CEO of Regenix, who talks about the regimen that Susan Pinsky is finding success with, and hair replacement surgeon, Dr. Parsa Mohebi. Later, they speak with dermatologist Abel Torres MD/JD, Professor and Chairman of Dermatology at Linda Loma School Of Medicine and dermatologist Dr. Hal Weitzbuch who has successfully treated his alopecia patient, Max, with steroid injections and platelet rich plasma. Get 15 percent off a starter kit at Regenix when you mention Drdrew at checkout.

This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte.

Pathologist Nicole Angemi shares some of her favorite stories from the pathology lab and then challenges Dr. Drew and Dr. Bruce to a round of Mystery Diagnosis. Find Nicole at @Mrs_Angemi on Instagram! See the live video and photos on YouTube/Drdrew and play along!

This episode is sponsored by Alliant University CSP.

Steve Kardian, self defense expert and author of THE NEW SUPER POWER FOR WOMEN, breaks down the mind of a predator and teaches women how to recognize them and protect themselves in vulnerable situations. Elizabeth Smart: Questions Answered: with host Dr. Drew Pinsky airs Nov 20 at 10 p.m. after the two part special Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography on A&E. Go to The Elizabeth Smart Foundation for more details about bringing hope and ending victimization through prevention, recovery and advocacy.

Sponsored by Alliant.edu

Drew welcomes the popular host of You Are Not So Smart Podcast David McRaney to the show. They discuss the Dunning-Kruger Effect, flat-earthers, the backfire effect and much more.

This episode is sponsored by Alliant International University School of psychology and mental health, education and teaching, business and management, and law and forensics. Alliant.edu for details.

Dr. Omid Hamid, who is at the forefront of this research, shares the latest news of how he and scientists are making incredible advancements in the treatment melanoma with a variety of groundbreaking therapies.

This episode is sponsored by Hydralyte and Alliant University CSP.