USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -There was one way to obtain alcoholic beverages legally during the prohibition years: through a physician’s prescription, purchasing the liquor from a pharmacy. Physicians could prescribe distilled spirits–usually whiskey or brandy–on government prescription forms.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1917 Congress sent the Eighteenth Amendment, known as the Prohibition Amendment, to the states with a seven-year deadline for passage-the first amendment to have a time restriction. Within 13 months, the states had ratified it.

Detailed explanation-3: -We find that alcohol consumption fell sharply at the beginning of Prohibition, to approximately 30 percent of its pre-Prohibition level. During the next several years, however, alcohol consumption increased sharply, to about 60-70 percent of its pre-Prohibition level.

Detailed explanation-4: -[2] However, alcohol continued to be used for medical purposes. During the mid-nineteenth century, alcohol was the main painkiller used in surgery. Over time, other painkillers, such as narcotics and chloroform became available. However, many patients still preferred the use of alcohol.

Detailed explanation-5: -Alcohol was prescribed for a variety of ailments including anemia, high blood pressure, heart disease, typhoid, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Physicians believed it stimulated digestion, conserved tissue, was helpful for the heart, and increased energy.