Addiction, Narrative and Spirituality: Theoretical-Methodological Approaches and Overview
Religija i tolerancija Vol.8/14, 2010, 255-273.
In the article the author presents different theoretical and methodological approaches to substance addiction:... more
In the article the author presents different theoretical and methodological approaches to substance addiction: biological, socio-cultural, psychological, and narrative theories. The author argues that we have to develop a comprehensive theory of addiction that should include not only biomedical, psychological and socio-cultural factors but spiritual aspects of the individual as well. A more holistic and yet fully empirical model of research in addictiology as a human science must indeed include the spiritual dimension. Therefore, a comprehensive theory of addiction has to address all aspects: physical, psychological, social, and spiritual for effective treatment and recovery.
Key words: Addiction, spirituality, religiousness, narrative.
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Seen by: and 34 moreAddiction and Autonomy: are Addicts Autonomous?
Nova Prisutnost 9(2011)1, 171-188. Co-authored with Frans Koopmans.
In the article, the authors deal with how addiction can be related to autonomy. First, they will provide a definition... more
In the article, the authors deal with how addiction can be related to autonomy. First, they will provide a definition of substance addiction and the way various theories have interpreted this phenomenon. Further, they will give a general description of the concept of autonomy and relate this to the phenomenon of addiction. Subsequently, the authors will deal with the way some explanatory models of addiction (the disease model, disorder of choice model, and existential disorder model) see the relationship of autonomy and addiction and focus on the following questions: How does addiction relate to autonomy? Does addiction make volitional choice impossible, i.e. are addicts out of control? Is addictive behavior a rational activity?
Key words: Addiction, autonomy, disease model, disorder of choice model, existential disorder model, spirituality.
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Seen by: and 3 moreInaugural Professorial Lecture: Questionnaire, Powerpoint, Lecture Notes (preview and download below)
Feel free to use, so long as you reference my work.
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julianbuchanan@gmail.com
Since the late 1970s illicit drug use has established itself as a major social problem. The response has largely been... more
Since the late 1970s illicit drug use has established itself as a major social problem. The response has largely been dominated by tougher measures to coerce people to accept treatment and become drug free or ultimately face prison. But after decades of tough drug policies our prisons have become crowded silos for drug users and people with multiple personal difficulties. Relatively little progress seems to have been made in reducing the overall size of the drugs problem or the proportion of people taking illicit drugs.
This lecture will reflect upon the way in which a ‘war on drugs’ is played out as a ‘war on drug users’. While most strategies have concentrated upon the physical and psychological aspects of dependence, this paper will highlight the important but often overlooked structural and social context of problem drug use. It will be argued that the stigmatisation of illicit drug use has made it more difficult for problem drug users to recover. Alternative conceptual models that promote a more inclusive approach will be explored.
