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. Reviews "Addiction is arguably the most perplexing and maligned psychiatric disorder. In this broad-reaching book, Svanberg provides a compassionate and yet comprehensive synthesis of competing views of drug use and addiction. This is a compelling and accessible account of how someone becomes addicted and what to do about it. Svanberg is an engaging storyteller who combines narrative with science to help break some of the moral, political and philosophical barriers that prevent society from effectively and compassionately addressing the challenges that addiction pose. This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to make sense of addiction and those that struggle with it." --Adrian Carter, Associate Professor and NHMRC Career Development Fellow, Monash University, Australia Table of Contents 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 About the Author 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 About the Series The Psychology of Everything People are fascinated by psychology, and what makes humans tick. Why do we think and behave the way we do? We've all met armchair psychologists claiming to have the answers, and people that ask if psychologists can tell what they're thinking. The Psychology of Everything is a series of books which debunk the popular myths and pseudo-science surrounding some of life's biggest questions. The series explores the hidden psychological factors that drive us, from our subconscious desires and aversions, to our natural social instincts. Absorbing, informative, and always intriguing, each book is written by an expert in the field, examining how research-based knowledge compares with popular wisdom, and showing how psychology can truly enrich our understanding of modern life. Applying a psychological lens to an array of topics and contemporary concerns - from sex, to fashion, to conspiracy theories - The Psychology of Everything will make you look at everything in a new way.
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