How the Prohibition Movement Changed the Medical Practice of Dr. Roy E. Mitchell in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Abstract

This paper discusses the how the Prohibition Movement and the Antidrug Movement effected the medical practice of Dr. Roy Mitchell in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The paper starts by looking into the history of the Prohibition Movement as a national Movement and then looks at the Prohibition Movement specifically in Eau Claire. Next the paper gives a history of the cocaine, and discusses both the medical and personal use of the drug. The Antidrug Movement had many of the same beliefs and fears as the Prohibition Movement. By comparing the two separate movements, it is possible to see the parallels between them. The combination of these two Movements led to the eventual passing of the Harrison Narcotic Act in 1914, which would change the medical practices of numerous physicians, including Dr. Mitchell in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. By using Dr. Mitchell's medical ledger of cocaine prescriptions, we are able to see that his practice was affect by both the Prohibition Movement and the Antidrug Movement.