The Psychology of Addiction

This accessible book takes a psychological approach to understanding addiction. It considers key questions and myths surrounding addition such as 'how do people get hooked?' and 'can you recover from addiction?' Using examples from popular culture, the book also draws on psychological and neuroscientific theories and sets addiction in a social context, comparing drug addiction with other types such as gambling and sex. It goes on to consider addiction recovery and different therapies such as mindfulness, suggesting a compassionate approach to understanding addiction may lead to changes in drug policy. It will be of interest to anyone looking for a psychological understanding of addiction.

Auteur

Jenny Svanberg is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. She worked in NHS specialist addiction services in both Central and Western Scotland for nine years, and her writing is informed by her clinical experience

Texte du rabat

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.

Contenu

Introduction

Chapter 1. Addiction: from prejudice to compassion

Chapter 2. Is addiction a choice?

Chapter 3. If it's the drugs that are addictive, why doesn't everyone get addicted?

Chapter 4. You can teach an old dog new tricks: addiction and recovery

Chapter 5. Safety in numbers: nourishing the hungry ghosts

Chapter 6. Make love not war: if drug policy understood the science of compassion