Addiction is a choice / Jeffrey A. Schaler.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Schaler, Jeffrey A.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Substance abuse.

Compulsive behavior.

Choice (Psychology).

Physical Description:

xviii, 179 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Chicago : Open Court, [2000]

Summary:

Politicians and the media tell us that people who take drugs, including alcohol or nicotine, cannot help themselves. They are supposedly victims of the disease of 'addiction', and they need 'treatment'. The same goes for sex addicts, shopping addicts, food addicts, gambling addicts, or even addicts to abusive relationships.

This theory, which grew out of the Temperance movement and was developed and disseminated by the religious cult known as Alcoholics Anonymous, has not been confirmed by any factual research. Numerous scientific studies show that 'addicts' are in control of their behavior.

Contrary to the shrill, mindless propaganda of the 'war on drugs', very few of the people who use alcohol, marijuana, heroin, or cocaine will ever become 'addicted', and of those who do become heavy drug users, most will mature out of it in time, without treatment. Research indicates that 'treatment' is completely ineffective, an absolute waste of time and money.

Instead of looking at drug addiction as a disease, Dr. Schaler proposes that we view it as willful commitment or dedication, akin to joining a religion or pursuing a romantic involvement. While heavy consumption of drugs is often foolish and self-destructive, it is a matter of personal choice.

Contents:

1. Two Ways of Looking at Addiction 1

2. Is Addiction Really a Disease? 11

3. Do Drug Addicts Lose It? 21

4. How Beliefs Affect Reality 37

5. Where the Disease Model Came From 47

6. Smoking Right and Responsibility 57

7. Who Are the Addiction Treatment Providers? 61

8. Busting the Disease-Model Cult 83

9. The Project MATCH Cover-Up 95

10. Moderation Management and Murder 107

11. Thinking Differently about Addiction 115

12. Addiction Treatment and the First Amendment 131

13. What to Do about Drugs 139.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [147]-170) and index.

ISBN:

0812694031

081269404X

OCLC:

42597719