Sobero

The Antiquity:

The origin of alcohol goes back to the very first civilizations. Stories from the Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Japanese civilizations tell of the existence of alcohol in their culture.

They made wine, beer, or sake from a simple fermentation of food. These were used for medicinal or religious purposes. The intoxication caused by wine was perceived as a mystical trance in Egypt, Greece, and ancient Rome.

Among the Greeks and Romans, wine was consumed during festivals dedicated to the god of wine. These ceremonies were places of great joy and celebration. However, in those times, the consumption of alcohol was subject to rigorous social control, and drinking too much was frowned upon. As these celebrations led to more violent excesses, the Roman Senate eventually banned them.

This was the first time that a government publicly recognized alcohol-related excesses.

The consumption of alcohol was initially reserved for the upper classes and royal families. But little by little, its use spread to the whole population by becoming a currency of exchange... Yes, a bit like: "I steal you a fry, and you can drink from my glass, ok?!".

The Middle Ages:

In this period, the tendency of consumption reserved for the high spheres and allowing them to get closer to the gods was reversed.

Indeed, the Church and the Nobility encouraged the people to consume alcohol in moderation or, even better, to become abstinent.

The Church considered drunkenness a pagan vice, which it sometimes severely sanctioned.

Drinking water was often of poor quality at that time and was often replaced by alcoholic beverages. This is perhaps where the expression "Alcohol is water" was born; who knows!

The Modern Times:

The industrial revolution gave the poorest populations access to alcohol to support their difficult working or living conditions.

The first books denouncing alcohol-related diseases and the first pressure on politicians for more restrictions were published. Thank to this, the first laws on alcohol were created, accompanied by numerous associations such as the national league against alcoholism in 1912, which counts up to 150,000 members today.

The increased economic and social problems related to alcoholism led the United States to introduce alcohol prohibition in 1920. A considerable decrease in alcohol-related illnesses was noted during this period. But the increase in the black market forced the government to lift this restriction 13 years later. Of course, if the Peaky Blinders get rich on the back of prohibition, it's useless!

In 1939, the association "Alcoholics Anonymous" was created by the meeting of two American drinkers who had become abstinent.

The opening followed the first medical centers specialized in treating alcoholism, such as the Sainte-Anne center in Paris.

The 21st Century:

Since its origin, the techniques to manufacture alcohol have evolved enormously, and the alcohol concentrations of the drinks with! This has increased the risks of developing diseases or finding oneself in more or less... embarrassing situations at parties! Do you see?

The place of alcohol and the social pressure on people who don't drink are still significant today despite the many social movements that fight to raise awareness. By this, we mean the "Dry January" movement that seeks to raise awareness about more responsible and diktat-free consumption.

The crazy history of alcohol through the ages

The Antiquity:

The Middle Ages:

The Modern Times:

The 21st Century:

What can we learn from this trip through time?