Summary of Marc Lewis's The Biology of Desire

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 There are three main categories of addiction: disease, choice, and self-medication. The disease model states that addiction is a brain disease that is caused by changes in specific brain systems, especially those that process rewards. The choice model emphasizes changes in thought processes. #2 There are many models of addiction, and they all overlap to some degree. The disease model calls for treatment by experts, including medical experts and psychiatrists. The self-medication model stresses the need to protect children and adolescents from extreme psychosocial pressures and to diagnose and treat underlying developmental issues. #3 The disease model of addiction is the front-runner among current attempts to define addiction. It is accepted almost everywhere, and most addicts have little choice but to go along with it. #4 The disease model of addiction is that it is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.