ABSTRACT
This Handbook collects together original, substantial, and in places provocative perspectives on addiction, written by leading researchers in the field from a variety of disciplines. In today’s world, addiction is frequently discussed in the media, especially in relation to politics and policy debates bearing on criminal justice, public health, and society at large; as well as widely represented in literature, film, music, and other forms of art and culture. It also touches many of our lives personally in one way or another. Perhaps this is one reason why addiction research is a field shaped by questions as much as answers, and disagreement as much as consensus. It is inevitable that all of us with an interest in addiction – whatever the reason, academic or other – are potentially influenced by popular media and cultural portrayals, as well by our own personal experience and any corresponding attempt we have made to make sense of and come to terms with addiction for ourselves. In addition, what addiction researchers say matters. It stands to affect policy debates, public perception, and ultimately addicts themselves – many of whom are the most vulnerable and marginalized people in our communities, and who experience tremendous distress and suffering. As a result, when it comes to addiction, the objectivity required for genuine progress in understanding is not always easy to come by.
