ABSTRACT

When does a harmless habit become an addition? Why do only some of us get addicted? What can make recovery possible?

The Psychology of Addiction is a fascinating introduction to the psychological issues surrounding addiction and the impact they have on social policy, recovery and an addict’s everyday life. The book focuses on drug and alcohol addiction and tackles topics such as whether drug use always leads to addiction and the importance of social networks to recovery. It also looks at how people can become addicted to activities like gambling, gaming and sex.

In a society that still stigmatises addiction The Psychology of Addiction emphasises the importance of compassion, and provides a sensitive insight to anyone with experience of addiction.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|16 pages

Addiction

From prejudice to compassion

chapter 2|17 pages

Is Addiction a Choice?

chapter 4|20 pages

You can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Addiction and recovery

chapter 5|14 pages

Safety in Numbers

Nourishing the hungry ghosts

chapter 6|13 pages

Make Love not War

If drug policy understood the science of compassion