May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
20 minute read
Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It is a multifaceted phenomenon that impacts individuals and society on a global scale. Understanding addiction involves exploring its various forms, underlying mechanisms, historical context, and diverse treatment approaches. This exploration can be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, offering pathways to careers dedicated to helping individuals and communities overcome its challenges.
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Reading list
We've selected 34 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Addiction.
Offers a compassionate and holistic view of addiction, drawing on the author's extensive experience working in Vancouver's Downtown East Side. It explores the roots of addiction, emphasizing the role of trauma and societal factors. It's valuable for gaining a broad understanding and deepening empathy for individuals struggling with addiction.
A contemporary look at addiction through the lens of neuroscience and the pursuit of pleasure in modern society. explains the role of dopamine in addictive behaviors and offers insights into finding balance. It's highly relevant for understanding contemporary issues and the biological underpinnings of addiction.
Written by a neuroscientist with personal experience of addiction, this book explores how different substances affect the brain and contribute to addiction. It makes complex neurological concepts understandable and provides insights into the challenges of quitting. Useful for understanding the neuroscience of addiction.
This comprehensive and authoritative textbook covering the medical aspects of addiction. It is an essential reference tool for professionals and advanced students, providing in-depth information on diagnosis, treatment, and various types of addiction. It is commonly used in academic and professional settings.
Challenges traditional views of addiction, arguing that it should be understood as a learning disorder rather than a moral failing or a disease in the traditional sense. It provides a fresh perspective grounded in science and personal experience, useful for deepening understanding and exploring contemporary debates.
Similar to "Unbroken Brain," this book argues against the traditional disease model of addiction, presenting it instead as a learned behavior rooted in the brain's plasticity. It uses personal stories to illustrate complex neuroscience concepts, offering a valuable perspective for deepening understanding.
Provides a detailed look at the neuroscience of addiction, explaining how drugs affect the brain's reward system and the long-term changes that occur. It valuable resource for understanding the biological basis of addiction. Suitable for students and those with a science background.
Delves into the process of behavior change in the context of addiction, based on the Transtheoretical Model. It valuable resource for understanding how individuals move through stages of change and for informing treatment strategies. Useful for students and professionals in the field.
Part of the "Very Short Introductions" series, this book provides a concise and accessible overview of addiction. It covers the basic facts, including what addiction is, how it develops, treatment approaches, and societal responses. This is an excellent starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the topic.
Investigates the history and impact of the war on drugs, arguing that it has exacerbated rather than solved the problem of addiction. It explores alternative approaches based on compassion and decriminalization. Relevant for understanding the societal and policy aspects of addiction.
Drawing on personal and professional experience, this book explores the history of addiction across different cultures and time periods. It provides a broad historical and cultural context for understanding addiction. Useful for gaining a wider perspective beyond the clinical aspects.
Offers an introduction to the psychological aspects of addiction, exploring why people become addicted and the impact on their lives. It discusses different perspectives on addiction and the importance of compassion. Suitable for gaining a broad psychological understanding.
This text provides a detailed understanding of how different classes of drugs affect the brain and body to produce addiction. It more technical resource suitable for those with a background in pharmacology or neuroscience, or for those seeking in-depth knowledge of the biological mechanisms.
Known as the "Big Book," this is the foundational text for the Alcoholics Anonymous program. It outlines the twelve-step method of recovery and includes personal stories of individuals who have overcome alcoholism. This classic and essential read for understanding a widely used approach to addiction recovery.
While not solely about addiction, this book foundational text on motivational interviewing, a widely used approach in addiction treatment. It provides practical guidance on facilitating change in individuals struggling with addiction. Essential for those interested in therapeutic interventions.
Following up on his memoir "Beautiful Boy," David Sheff investigates the science of addiction and the current state of treatment in the United States. He advocates for evidence-based approaches and policy changes. Relevant for understanding contemporary issues and the challenges of the treatment system.
This companion book to "Alcoholics Anonymous" provides a more detailed explanation of the principles behind the twelve steps and the traditions that govern the functioning of AA groups. It is essential reading for understanding the philosophy and practice of Twelve-Step programs.
A neuroscientist and psychologist challenges common misconceptions about drugs and addiction, drawing on his research and personal experiences. provides a controversial but important perspective on drug policy and the factors contributing to addiction.
Presents a thought-provoking argument that addiction is not solely a disease but is also influenced by social and economic factors, particularly the dislocation caused by globalization. It offers a broader societal perspective on addiction.
This workbook offers practical tools and exercises based on evidence-based therapies like CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. It useful resource for individuals in recovery and for clinicians working with them, providing hands-on strategies for changing addictive behaviors.
Provides the current DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders.
Provides a science-based approach for families and loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction. It emphasizes positive reinforcement and kindness as tools for facilitating change. Useful for understanding the role of families in recovery.
Offers a compassionate and insightful look at addiction, exploring the underlying causes of addiction and the challenges of recovery.
Offers a concise explanation of how addictive substances affect the brain. It good resource for understanding the basic neurobiology of addiction without being overly technical. Suitable for a broad audience.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
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