Video - Whiskey and Wounds: The Civil War's Medicinal Missteps

Did you know that during the Civil War, soldiers were often given a daily ration of whiskey to help numb the pain of battle? Some soldiers even used the whiskey to clean their wounds or as a disinfectant. In addition to whiskey, soldiers also used opium and morphine as painkillers, leading to widespread addiction among troops. These substances were often prescribed by doctors who had limited understanding of their addictive properties. The Civil War not only divided a nation but also left a lasting impact on the physical and mental health of those who fought in it.