Theory of Addiction

An understanding of addiction theory is vital to understanding addiction itself. Theory of Addiction takes theory development from a simple ‘rational addiction model’, adding elements such as compulsion, self-control and habit, to explain the ‘big observations’ in the field. As well as explaining and evaluating the arguments of each of the prevailing schools of thought, the book develops a new, synthetic theory of addiction that brings together the diverse elements of current models.

Designed to enable students, practitioners and researchers to establish a starting point in the labyrinthine world of addiction theory, Theory of Addiction supports abstract thinking with concrete and realistic scenarios, underlining the centrality of theoretical understanding to working with addiction.

Summaries and examples are clearly presented for ease of reference, key theories are evaluated. Theory of Addiction examines the nature of addiction in all its complexity and across demographic levels, producing a new approach to addiction, providing an appraisal of the existing theories, and providing the reader with the critical apparatus to develop his or her own hypothesis.