Theory of Addiction 2e

The word ‘addiction’ these days is used to refer to a chronic condition where there is an

unhealthily powerful motivation to engage in a particular behaviour. This can be driven by

many different factors – physiological, psychological, environmental and social. If we say that it

is all about X, we miss V, W, Y and Z. So, some people think addicts are using drugs to escape

from unhappy lives, feelings of anxiety and so on; many are. Some people think drugs become

addictive because they alter the brain chemistry to create powerful urges; that is often true.

Others think that drug taking is about seeking after pleasure; often it is. Some take the view that

addiction is a choice – addicts weigh up the pros and cons of doing what they do and decide

the former outweigh the latter. Yet others believe that addicts suffer from poor impulse control;

that is often true… And so it goes on.

When you look at the evidence, you see that all these positions capture important aspects of

the problem – but they are not complete explanations. Neuroscience can help us delve more

deeply into some of these explanations, while the behavioural and social sciences are better at

exploring others. We need a model that puts all this together in a way that can help us decide

what to do in different cases. Should we prescribe a drug, give the person some ‘tender loving

care’, put them in prison or what? Theory of Addiction provides this synthesis.

The first edition was well received:

‘Throughout the book the reader is exposed to a vast number of useful observations...The

theoretical aims are timely, refreshing, ambitious and above all challenging. It opens up a new

way of looking at addiction and has the potential to move the field of addiction a considerable

leap forward. Thus we wholeheartedly would like to recommend the book for students as well

as scholars. Read and learn!’ Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

‘The book provides a comprehensive review of existing theories - over 30 in all - and this

synthesis of theories constitutes an important contribution in and of itself... West is to be

commended for his synthesis of addiction theories that span neurobiology, psychology and

social science and for his insights into what remains unexplained.’ Addiction

This new edition of Theory of Addiction builds on the first, including additional theories in

the field, a more developed specification of PRIME theory and analysis of the expanding

evidence base.

With this important new information, Theory of Addiction will continue to be essential reading

for all those working in addiction, from student to experienced practitioner – as urged above,

Read and learn!