Theory of Addiction

<p>The word ‘addiction’ these days is used to refer to a chronic condition where there is an<br /> unhealthily powerful motivation to engage in a particular behaviour. This can be driven by<br /> many different factors – physiological, psychological, environmental and social. If we say that it<br /> is all about X, we miss V, W, Y and Z. So, some people think addicts are using drugs to escape<br /> from unhappy lives, feelings of anxiety and so on; many are. Some people think drugs become<br /> addictive because they alter the brain chemistry to create powerful urges; that is often true.<br /> Others think that drug taking is about seeking after pleasure; often it is. Some take the view that<br /> addiction is a choice – addicts weigh up the pros and cons of doing what they do and decide<br /> the former outweigh the latter. Yet others believe that addicts suffer from poor impulse control;<br /> that is often true… And so it goes on.</p> <p>When you look at the evidence, you see that all these positions capture important aspects of<br /> the problem – but they are not complete explanations. Neuroscience can help us delve more<br /> deeply into some of these explanations, while the behavioural and social sciences are better at<br /> exploring others. We need a model that puts all this together in a way that can help us decide<br /> what to do in different cases. Should we prescribe a drug, give the person some ‘tender loving<br /> care’, put them in prison or what? <i>Theory of Addiction</i> provides this synthesis.</p> <p>The first edition was well received:</p> <p>‘Throughout the book the reader is exposed to a vast number of useful observations…The<br /> theoretical aims are timely, refreshing, ambitious and above all challenging. It opens up a new<br /> way of looking at addiction and has the potential to move the field of addiction a considerable<br /> leap forward. Thus we wholeheartedly would like to recommend the book for students as well<br /> as scholars. Read and learn!’ <i>Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs</i></p> <p>‘The book provides a comprehensive review of existing theories – over 30 in all – and this<br /> synthesis of theories constitutes an important contribution in and of itself… West is to be<br /> commended for his synthesis of addiction theories that span neurobiology, psychology and<br /> social science and for his insights into what remains unexplained.’ <i>Addiction</i></p> This new edition of <i>Theory of Addiction</i> builds on the first, including additional theories in<br /> the field, a more developed specification of PRIME theory and analysis of the expanding<br /> evidence base.<br /> With this important new information, Theory of Addiction will continue to be essential reading<br /> for all those working in addiction, from student to experienced practitioner – as urged above,<br /> Read and learn!