In Outgrowing Addiction: With Common Sense Instead of “Disease” Therapy, Stanton Peele and Zack Rhoads dismiss the common theory of addiction as being a brain disease, usually expressed in the medical model. Instead, the authors endorse a developmental model of addiction which focuses on principles of natural recovery and child development. In doing so, Peele and Rhoads state that addiction is not a disease, but a natural response to life situations in which most people using substances (both prescribed and illegal) do not become addicted. At the same time, the authors state that life-long addictions are rare and that most people struggling with addictions are able to recover on their own. Rather than focusing on genes or trauma, the authors state that most individuals turn to substances because they lack skills, motivation and goals. As such, substances provide rewards, pleasure and compensation. Therefore, finding purpose in life and focusing on achievements and goals is important, as is avoiding labeling youth and adults and working on being non-judgmental and understanding of the experiences of people. As part of working with and helping those facing addiction, Peele and Rhoads state that positive psychology (focusing on positive aspects of one’s life and working towards goals) as well as motivational interviewing (working towards finding purpose and internal motivation to be able to change behavior is crucial.

Another important concept that Peele and Rhoads introduce to readers is that of harm reduction. In contrast to many other theories and treatments of addiction who propose that abstinence is the only answer to overcoming addiction, harm reduction, as the name implies, focuses on reducing risk and harm. The main principle of harm reduction is that it is more beneficial for a person to reduce risky behavior surrounding substance abuse while attempting to quit substances until the person is ready to do so. Needle exchange programs and drug consumption sites are examples of harm reduction. As the authors endorse a developmental model of addiction, focusing on harm reduction, positive psychology and motivational interviewing when working with people with the addictions the authors discuss why they are critical of programs such AA. They believe that AA is the “…template of disease theory” (p. 122) and state that such programs are labeling people as life-long addicts, and requires complete abstinence, rather than embracing the notion that most people are not addicts for life and may be able to consume certain substances in moderation, such as alcohol. 

Even though there is and continues to be discord regarding whether or not addiction is considered a disease, Peele and Rhoads promote a positive view on addiction, that is non-judgmental and focuses on personal growth. This understanding of addiction is commendable given the stigma surrounding substance use and substance addiction. Given the focus on child development and also suicide, the book is valuable for professionals working with individuals who are substance users, and for those working with youth. The book is also useful for parents whose child/children may be using substances. As the book contains a series of principles around natural recovery and child development, as well as appendixes with exercises for readers it can be used as a resource for overcoming addiction or working towards reducing risky behaviors associated with substance use.

Hennie Weiss has a master’s degree in Sociology from CSUS and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work from CSUS. Her academic interests also include women’s studies and feminism.

Categories: AddictionAndAlcoholism

Keywords: addiction