Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Alcohol Use

This chapter will provide a brief review of the history of alcohol use in society and some of the cultural and ethnic influences of alcohol use and misuse. Alcohol has, and continues to, play a critical role in society, starting as early as ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, continuing through ancient Greece and Rome. Carefully considering alcohol use in a historical and cultural context helps to provide culturally sensitive clinical care to allow for a more individualized approach to assessment and treatment, resulting in improved clinical outcomes.