Theory of Addiction
ROBERT WEST
Oxford, UK: Addiction Press, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2006
ISBN 1 4051135 9 6, 224 pp. Price: $75.00 paperback
Theory of Addiction provides a long-overdue review of over 30 addiction theories. The reader is taken on a journey from the beginnings of addiction theory to the latest innovations, ending in the synthesis of existing theories into a new motivational theory of addiction. This comprehensive resource highlights the need to develop more advanced theoretical models of addiction, arguing that the use of ‘observation’ and unidimensional theories of addictive behaviour have thwarted progress in the field.
The book begins by defining the concept of addiction and highlighting the ‘big questions’ facing addiction research today. The next four chapters summarise and evaluate current addiction theories, organising them into choice, impulse/self-control, habit/instrumental learning and population-based theories. This evaluative process is assisted by the use of real-life examples, encouraging the reader to participate in the ‘testing-out’ each theory.
Chapters 7 – 9 provide an overview of the synthetic theory of addiction. The process of developing a comprehensive model based on existing addiction theories is discussed in chapter 7. Chapter 8 then outlines the synthetic theory of motivation. This theory builds upon the insights of existing theories and synthesises them into a new conceptual framework called ‘p.r.i.m.e’ (plans, responses, impulses, motives, evaluations). The model emphasises the importance of using the whole motivational system to understand the complexity of addictive behaviours. It also highlights the need to consider each of the five concepts outlined in the p.r.i.m.e model in the assessment and treatment of addictive behaviours, noting that dysfunction in any, if not all of these concepts, can result in these behaviours. Finally, chapter 9 demonstrates how the p.r.i.m.e theory of motivation is vital in enhancing our current understanding of addictive behaviour, concluding with a number of key recommendations for the development of effective addiction policies and treatment interventions.
Aimed at researchers, students, policy makers and health professionals, Theory of Addiction provides an excellent summary and evaluation of the plethora of addiction theories available and integrates them into a highly innovative, practical and testable theory. While the new theory is by no means simple, neither is addictive behaviour. None the less, Robert West achieves his aim of proposing a theory that not only accounts for the heterogeneity of addictive behaviours but also provides a theoretical basis from which addiction research can progress as an incremental science.
Theory of Addiction is a necessity for beginners and experienced practitioners and researchers alike to advance our current understanding of addictive behaviours and assist in the development of new policies and evidence-based interventions.
Leanne Hides
ORYGEN Research Centre
Department of Psychiatry
University of Melbourne
Australia
© 2007 Leanne Hides