This Harvard Medical School shrink is trying to de-stigmatize addiction.
It is his view that addictions are compulsions, complex functions of the mind and not simply impulsive behavior, "triggered by emotional factors and generally represent an attempt to regain a sense of control when people feel helplessly out of control."
Posted by Bill at July 20, 2011 08:56 PMFirst, I didn't read the article, assuming that your precis is accurate and comprehensive. Second, based on what you've said, anyone to whom addition was already non-stigmatized will feel validated, but anyone for whom addiction is essentially a personal failing will also feel validated - emotionality, feeling helpless, etc are not medical traits like predisposition to cancer or autism, they're just marks of inadequate moral grounding. Not that I buy this at all but if I were a hardass I wouldn't be convinced by this that users weren't deciding to be users instead of being godfearing upstanding repressives like myself.
Of most significance, though, "the eagle has landed." You know what I mean. Really looking forward to Sunday, and so is Zach. Thanks again!
Posted by: dan at July 21, 2011 03:10 PM