In 'The Biology of Desire', neuroscientist Marc Lewis offers a radical new understanding of addiction, considering it not merely a disease but a complex interplay of brain function, personal history, and the social environment. He weaves together compelling personal stories that illuminate how desire shapes our lives and decisions, challenging conventional views on addiction treatment. Lewis argues that our powerful urges are deeply rooted in our brain's pathways and experiences, making the journey toward recovery a path of rewiring. With vivid case studies, he invites readers to see addiction through a lens of empathy rather than stigma. This engaging exploration not only uncovers the mechanisms of addiction but also inspires a deeper curiosity about the nature of desire itself.
By Marc Lewis
Published: 2016
"Desire is not a demon to be conquered, but a force to be understood, guiding us through the complex landscape of our own biology."
Through the vivid, true stories of five people who journeyed into and out of addiction, a renowned neuroscientist explains why the "disease model" of addiction is wrong and illuminates the path to recovery. The psychiatric establishment and rehab industry in the Western world have branded addiction a brain disease. But in The Biology of Desire, cognitive neuroscientist and former addict Marc Lewis makes a convincing case that addiction is not a disease, and shows why the disease model has become an obstacle to healing. Lewis reveals addiction as an unintended consequence of the brain doing what it's supposed to do-seek pleasure and relief-in a world that's not cooperating. As a result, most treatment based on the disease model fails. Lewis shows how treatment can be retooled to achieve lasting recovery. This is enlightening and optimistic reading for anyone who has wrestled with addiction either personally or professionally.
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“Desire is not a demon to be conquered, but a force to be understood, guiding us through the complex landscape of our own biology.”
The Biology of Desire
By Marc Lewis
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Marc Lewis is a distinguished author and neuroscientist known for his insightful explorations of addiction and human behavior. With notable works including 'The Biology of Desire: Why Addiction Is Not a Disease' and 'Memoirs of an Addicted Mind', Lewis delves into the intricate connections between brain function and personal experience. His writing style is characterized by a blend of scientific rigor and engaging narrative, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience. Through his books, Lewis challenges conventional views on addiction, offering a fresh perspective grounded in both scientific research and personal experience.
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