A New Approach to Addiction and Choice

"“Behavioural scientists have recently developed interesting new ways of thinking about and responding to addiction, but these are largely unknown to the general public and even to many specialists in the addiction field. This book admirably fills that gap, especially in relation to the ancient concept of ‘akrasia’ and its role in making sense of addiction. I recommend it for anyone with a serious interest in the enduring puzzle of addiction, especially those who are dissatisfied with narrow biomedical formulations.” --Nick Heather, Emeritus Professor of Alcohol and Other Drug Studies in the Department of Psychology at Northumbria University, UK. ""Addiction and Choice is a wonderfully clear and engaging book, which connects social, psychological and neuroscience factors influencing the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Reinout Wiers helps answer important questions. Is addiction a choice or a brain disease? What therapy programs work best to help people recover? Where do behavioral addictions fit in? Wiers gives us an illuminating analysis of the nature of addiction and drug abuse that will be helpful and informative to anyone concerned with these issues."" --Kent C. Berridge, James Olds Distinguished University Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Michigan. “Professor Wiers places akrasia- the distorted but deliberate decision making that leads us to do what we know is not good for us - centre stage in the addiction arena. In support of this approach, he draws on comprehensive research findings, spanning the developmental spectrum. He skilfully probes scientific fields as diverse as molecular biology, cognitive bias modification and mindfulness practice in an effort to understand and help overcome our quintessentially human tendency towards akrasia. Throughout he maintains a humane, humorous and reflective tone that makes this book a joy to read.” --Dr Frank Ryan, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London. ""Finally an intelligent answer to the question of whether addicts are addicted by choice. A delight to read."" --Prof. Wim van den Brink, emeritus professor addiction treatment, UMC-Amsterdam. ""Akrasia is full of fascinating insights about addiction."" --Laura Molenaar. Trouw, National Newspaper, the Netherlands."