Diseasing of America

The initial release of this text marked a turning point in the addictions field. The author dared to assert that while alcoholism and drug taking may be addictions, they are not diseases. In this critique of the whole approach to addiction, he attacks the "addiction as disease" model promoted by Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, and by drug treatment centres. Peele asserts that such programmes can blunt a substance abuser's sense of personal responsibility and, in doing so, may actually worsen the chances for recovery. This study documents the scientific fallacies and institutional corruption of the addiction-as-disease movement. It aims to show how vested economic interests, fundamentalist religious traditions, a cult-like recovery movement, and "born-again" ex-addict counsellors combine to impose ineffective, intrusive treatment on a growing number of Americans. Ultimately, the only effective response to addiction is to recreate living communities that nurture constructive human capacities and give people a real stake in life.