New Approach to Addiction and Choice - Paperback / softback

This engaging book provides a novel examination of the nature of

addiction, suggesting that by exploring akrasia—the tendency to act

against one’s better judgement—we can better understand our addictive

behaviors. It offers an alternative to the dominant biomedical model of

addiction as a chronic brain disease by looking at the nature of how we

make decisions and proposing the idea that biased choice is central to

addiction.

The book looks at both classic substance use disorders and newer

“addictions” to smartphones, meat and fossil fuels. It discusses current

perspectives on free will in philosophy, psychology and neuroscience,

and the questions surrounding free will versus determinism, including

our ability to steer our behaviors guided by the promise of future

outcomes. Different perspectives on addiction and choice are presented

in an eloquent style, and illustrated by personal stories.

Through a lively discussion of the key scientific and philosophical

issues surrounding addiction, this book is valuable for students in

psychology, criminology, sociology and social work, as well as health

care professionals and general readers interested in the nature of our free

will.