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Jeffrey A. Schaler
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Addiction Is a Choice Kindle Edition

by Jeffrey A. Schaler (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 78 ratings
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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.
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  1. Print length
    264 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Open Court
  4. Publication date
    September 30, 2011
  5. File size
    562 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

paper 0-8126-9404-X The pendulum has begun its swing backcould it be that drug and alcohol addictions are not diseases after all, but bad personal choices? Can addiction be overcome by mustering the strength of character to turn away from such choices? Psychologist Schaler (Justice, Law, and Society/American Univ.; Smoking, Who Has the Right?, not reviewed) argues convincingly that society has erred in giving in completely to the AA vision that addiction is a disease, that addicts can't help themselves, and that they need a higher power to be saved. Addiction (which at one time meant only devotion or dedication) has come to mean ``any activity which individuals engage in, deliberately and consciously, and are physically unable to stop themselves from pursuing. Rejecting such a definition out of hand, Schaler maintains that ``people are responsible for their deliberate and conscious behavior. He is sympathetic for those struggling with addiction; he doesn't oversimplify his own or his opponents arguments; and he readily acknowledges his philosophical forefathers (Thomas Szasz, for one, from the last time the pendulum was at this end of its arc). His reading of the results of research into addictionthat it fails to support the disease modelis convincing. And his resulting suggestions for changes in public policy and for individual change demand consideration. If not a new model for viewing addiction, at least a provocative update of an old one. -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review

Schaler drives a stake into the heart of the 'disease' concept of addictions. Millions of people have stopped smoking, abusing mind-altering drugs, and drinking addictively on their own, without the intervention of counselors or doctors or programs. Dr. Schaler explains persuasively why and how this happens, despite all the genetic and hormonal predispositions. -- Joseph Gerstein, M.D. F.A.C.P., Harvard Medical School

A clear and fascinating read. The wealth of information and fresh insights reflect the writer's career as a scholar-teacher-therapist, and especially his many years of research and practical work in the addiction field. The book dispels many myths about addiction and should provide liberating insights to the afflicted. -- Herbert Fingarette, author of Heavy Drinking, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, UCSB

This is indeed a rare book. Schaler has provided a unique, masterly work which explains addiction from a revelatory perspective. The reader can learn how the controversial area of addiction can be looked at and understood in a new light. -- Morris Chafetz, M.D., Founding Director National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Addiction Is a Choice is a powerful antidote against the twin poisons of anti-drug propaganda and drug prohibition. -- Thomas Szasz, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0065M5JWQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Court (September 30, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 30, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 562 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 78 ratings

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Jeffrey A. Schaler

Jeffrey A. Schaler

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
78 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the subject interesting and packed with useful information. They describe the book as an excellent, well-written, and compelling read. Opinions differ on the pacing, with some finding it concise and thorough, while others say it doesn't do a good job with it.

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InterestReadabilityPacing
5 customers mention "Interest"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the subject interesting. They say the book is packed with useful information and the thoughts and arguments are well-organized.

"...This is a short volume that is packed with useful information. If it had been the only book I read on the subject, I would have given it 5 stars...." Read more

"A very interesting perspective on the whole idea of "addiction"...." Read more

"...the clinical jargon is cut down to a minimum and his thoughts and arguments are well-organized...." Read more

"...I strongly urge people to read this. It's fascinating... I'm now reading The Biology of Desire." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent, concise, and well-written. They also appreciate that the clinical jargon is cut.

"Jeffrey Schaler's book is well written and sourced throughout...." Read more

"...All in all, I think this book is definitely worth a read (you can just skip the axe-grinding chapters), if for no other reason than to hear a..." Read more

"...I wish there was more about some of the studies cited, but the book is perfect and should be distributed to every high school kid" Read more

"Great read..." Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"2 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some mention it's concise and well-written, while others say it doesn't do a good job with it.

"...The book is very concise and well-written; the clinical jargon is cut down to a minimum and his thoughts and arguments are well-organized...." Read more

"...Furthermore, it has been proven NOT to be successful...." Read more

"I read this book in one evening and was impressed with the thoroughness and scientific studies presented. The disease model never made sense...." Read more

"...The subject is very interesting but the book does not do a good job with it . It is way out of date and laced with opinion...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

ReasonWins13
5.0 out of 5 stars Growing evidence against the drones of AA Sheep
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2013
Verified Purchase
The subject of chemical dependency is rooted beyond the limits of scientific inquiry. This book and others like it, are necessary weaponry against the religious extremists that continue to control the judicial based recovery community centered around "AA". Not one medical shred of evidence exists that "alcoholism" is even real, nor has any gene, or chemical difference been found in a individual said to be "alcoholic". Addiction is choice is a academic read centered in sound logic that ties together longstanding knowledge of chemical dependency, and the dangers of 12 step groups. The therapists that continue to sell the religious dogma of "higher powers" and "gods" and send their clients off into the streets after 2 week "detox" programs are at direct cause for the epidemic of substance abuse. Addiction IS a choice, and individuals CAN empower their selves to change the relationship with the chemical or dug they were abusing. Irrefutable evidence cited by some of the most prestigious schools have consistently and verifiable concluded that those in "recovery" can and do better under moderation techniques.

I am this person, I am a individual who for a decade made the wrong choices and chose to medicate my feelings instead of change my life. The cost was great, with numerous and severe ramifications with the law. I am proof that I am empowered over alcohol, and that "disease" is a conjured term for the benefit of creating income. I chose to stay sober for over 2 years, without the assistance of AA, and I also chose to begin drinking in moderation which I have done successfully for several years. There is no such thing as "recovery", there are individuals who make the choice to address the issues that were causing them to evade life and medicate themselves, and there are those that remain forever lost within the damaging and morbid rooms of AA. Saying we are "diseased" only empowers one to repeat the same behavior and remain in "recovery" forever. I hope all who have been tormented by AA, or a like therapist to begin their journey of knowledge....and rise above the dogma and depression that keeps "addicts" dependent on the rooms of AA and in the pocketbooks of "AA Therapists." You CAN do this.
9 people found this helpful
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parisigo
5.0 out of 5 stars Provides an alternate point of view
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2023
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This book was written over 20 years ago and contrasts the disease versus choice model of addiction. While there are many variables with addiction and much has been learned in the past twenty years, no model is absolute and circumstances too can dictate. This book emphasizes there is no excuse for addiction except one’s own choice and behavior while downplaying the role of “treatment” and therapy.
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Just K
4.0 out of 5 stars Scientifically Sound
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2005
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Jeffrey Schaler's book is well written and sourced throughout. He makes his argument that addiction isn't caused by a mysterious disease, but that anyone who suffers from an addiction does so because they find pleasure in the use of the substance they are addicted to.

This is a short volume that is packed with useful information. If it had been the only book I read on the subject, I would have given it 5 stars. Instead, though, I've been reading quite a bit on the subject, and found this slender book to be just a bit shy of of the fifth star I awarded some other authors who wrote on this subject.

The truth of the matter is, there have been numerous studies done over the past several decades (many of which Schaler quotes). Not ONE of them have been successful in proving that alcoholism is a disease. Not ONE. Yet, assuming the physicians and organizations that push AA and similar 12 step treatment are at all well-read (and, I assumed so; I mean, they were the 'experts'), they still push this alcoholism as disease concept! If they don't read the current journals and books, why are they in their posts? Is it the massive amount of money poured into the treatment centers? Is it really a benevolent action to encourage (or, in some cases mandate) those with addictions to enter treatment or AA when ALL of the evidence has proven that it really doesn't work? Sometimes, believe it or not, the evidence has shown that AA and 12 step treatment is, in fact, MORE detrimental than no program at all. As confusing as that sounds, imagine being told every day that you are powerless, lack any control, are not responsible for your desire to imbibe, etc. Those that are indoctrinated with this belief system obviously believe they are diseased, permanently sick, permanently and forever in need of meetings, permanently and forever believe they have no control over their behavior, permanently and forever believe they have no power. In fact, they are told and believe that they will ALWAYS be in a permanent state of "recovery". That being "recovered" is nonsensical and elusive. . . their state, always, is "in" recovery-- they will NEVER be better. They will ALWAYS be labeled as an addict or alcoholic. Imagine having that label for the rest of your life.

Additionally, what makes the most sense? If one is trying to eliminate their addiction, does it make sense to hang out pretty much exclusively with other addicts and alcoholics on a daily basis? Or, does it make sense to hang out with those that have healthy balanced lives and don't "need a meeting" on a daily or almost daily basis? Common sense tells us that to BE healthy, one must have balance in their daily lives. Work, family, recreation, etc. How can this take place when AA members are encouraged to attend daily meetings (it's considered a badge of honor to attend meetings daily, or even two to three meetings daily!), to read only AA "literature" (ugh. I use the word literature, because that's what they call it! Did you ever critically read this material? I wouldn't call anything AA or Bill W. has put out 'literature'), to talk to an alcoholic daily, to do service (help other alcoholics), etc.

There is no balance in this type of life. It's indoctrination and brainwashing. Furthermore, it has been proven NOT to be successful. Other more effective ways to curb addiction has been discovered and it is a shame that the very people we've entrusted to help those struggling with their addictions are pushing an outmoded, proven-not-to-work, decades old bit of folklore.
34 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Daniel
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books out there on "addiction" & "treatment"
Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Quick factual read. One of the best books out there on "addiction" & "treatment".
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bluebirdfp
5.0 out of 5 stars If you think you're an addict, this book gives hope
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
This is one of the most refreshing books I have read...it is aimed at the intelligent and academic reader, yet is extremely readable and quite eye-opening. Dr. Schaler posits that our common usage of the word 'addiction' is wrong; that all along the line, we have a CHOICE in how we act, what we ingest (or inject) etc. This notion is immensely freeing because, realising that performing the 'compulsion' of drinking, eating or using drugs is actually an attempt to numb what Dr. Schaler calls 'problems-in-living', we know we can go ahead with the action or try to solve our problems another way. Mostly, in our culture, we go ahead with the action. But all the time WE DECIDE to raise the glass to our lips, eat that whole cake, pop a pill...no agent is forcing us. There is much discussion of addiction treatment e.g. AA. It concerns me that decriminalisation of mind-altering substances means children, who may be too young to make an informed choice, could get hold of them. I expect it would take another book to address this aspect.
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Jim
4.0 out of 5 stars I'm 13 and I just read this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2023
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overall I thought this book had a lot of great material and obviously I'm not the target audience so some things were a bit unclear and some things were a bit boring. The book as a whole is great I didn't really have a stance on the disease of addiction but now I definitely have a firm stance on it, I didn't consume all of the info and dont remember everthing but this has definitely helped me learn about a more mature and advanced subject in a way im able to competently comprehend 3.5/5
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Mr B
4.0 out of 5 stars an interesting read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2004
Verified Purchase
this is a very unusual read with the ideas expressed being interesting and well thought out. However, too much of this book is devoted to the author slating self help organisations in a way which starts to sound almost bitter towards the end. I must also point out that this book is written from an almost entirely american point of view.
It is of amusement to me that the main point of the book seems to be that "treatment" for drug users on the whole does not work. I am currently employed within the substance misuse field working with drug users and I find it very hard to disagree with that statement!
worth reading.
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"Liz" Hurley
1.0 out of 5 stars One Star
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2015
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Research and experience says otherwise
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