The Meaning of Addiction

A controversial and persuasive analysis of addiction<br> <br> A tour de force, a spectacular effort of research andunderstanding. This book gives us the courage to bypass diseasenotions to deal with intrapsychic, family system, and social andcultural dynamics in addiction.<br> ?David Cook, Counseling and Psychological Services, University ofWisconsin<br> <br> This compelling and controversial book challenges the widelyaccepted belief that alcohol and drug addiction have a genetic orbiological basis. The so-called disease theory<br> suggests that a substance or activity can cause the addict to losecontrol of his behavior. Stanton Peele demonstrates how this notionfails to make sense of scientific observations.<br> <br> Analyzing studies of drug and cigarette addiction, alcoholism,obesity, and other potential compulsions such as running and sex,Peele reveals the surprising frequency of self-cure as part of theevidence. The author finds that compulsive habits and depAndencyare a way of coping that individuals can reverse as their lifecircumstances change. This brilliantly argued book is sure toprovoke discussion and stimulate new approaches to treatment.