Introduction

There are many conflicting beliefs and myths about addiction. Is it a moral failing, a disease, a choice, none of these or all? This book explores some of the opposing views about addiction, and defines it as a deeply entrenched learned habit that is followed compulsively. We all have the capacity to become addicted, but it is more likely when the object of addiction meets an emotional need that we have not had met in other ways. We learn our way into addiction, and we can learn our way out, but in order to do so, we need to integrate approaches that treat our biology, psychology and social environments. The first half of the book looks at the neuroscience underlying addictive behaviours and their development, investigating the factors that make addiction more or less likely. The second half explores some of the interventions that have been designed to regain control and grow through addiction to forge a new and stronger identity.