Addiction Is a Choice
Jeffrey A. Schaler
Sep 2011 · Open Court
1.7star
6 reviewsreport
Ebook
256
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
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 'addiciton', 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 matrue 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 drub 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.
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 matrue 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 drub 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.
Ratings and reviews
1.7
6 reviews
Billy Goforth
- Flag inappropriate
June 12, 2015
Anyone who has actually ever studied the addicted mind knows that the use of drugs, sex, people, etc. is but a symptom of a deeper lying issue that resides in the brain. The behavior is a coping mechanism, not the affliction itself. The obsession and compulsive behavior is no different than that suffered by people ocd and other psychological issues. But, I'm sure this guy is an authority. *sarcasm*
4 people found this review helpful
Sean Turk
- Flag inappropriate
August 12, 2014
The book is nothing but pages filled with one mans obsessive opinions of addiction. Clearly the writer is either a recluse or socially unaccepted and making erronius accusations without factual basis. Just my opinion.
7 people found this review helpful
Michael Branson
- Flag inappropriate
July 21, 2015
He needs to re do his research I am an addict I understand the struggle to control my urges it feels the hole in your heart that your higher power should be in the 12 steps work and save lives it worked on my whole family were addicts its a family disease the ignorance of this guy is just ridiculous
2 people found this review helpful
About the author
Jeffrey A. Schaler is the editor of Smoking: Who Has the Right? He lives in Erdenheim, PA.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
