Addiction

US: 250 Years Later – Part 56: Gambling

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In 1776, Americans gambled constantly through cards, horse races, lotteries, wagers, and games of chance woven directly into everyday life. Two hundred and fifty years later, gambling has evolved into a world of casinos, sports betting apps, online prediction markets, and algorithmically optimized experiences living inside smartphones. This letter follows America’s changing relationship with gambling and asks whether people are truly chasing money… or something much older and more human: hope itself.

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US: 250 Years Later – Part 41: Drugs (Illicit)

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In 1776, the idea of “illegal drugs” would have sounded strange to most Americans. Mood-altering substances existed everywhere, woven into medicine, labor, trade, and ordinary life. Two hundred and fifty years later, substances have become entangled with public health, criminal justice, addiction, policy, and profound social questions. This letter follows America’s changing relationship with illicit drugs and asks whether societies are truly battling chemicals… or the pain that drives people toward them.

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US: 250 Years Later – Part 5: Alcohol

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In 1776, alcohol was not simply recreation. It was safer than water in many circumstances, woven into labor, politics, religion, and daily life itself. Two hundred and fifty years later, America’s relationship with alcohol has evolved from survival and taverns to Prohibition, cocktail culture, craft breweries, and sober curiosity. This letter explores what our drinking habits reveal about who we are and what we’re trying to endure.

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