Alcohol and Alcoholism Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 96, 2003
© 2003 Medical Council on Alcohol
BOOK REVIEW
Addiction.
By David Marteau. Quay Books Division, Mark Allen Publishing, Ltd, London. 2001, 168pp., £14.99. ISBN: 1-85642-189-9.
Addiction was written by David Marteau, a nurse and former head of treatment at Clouds House. It is a short book offering comprehensive coverage of the causes, nature and treatment of addiction. The book is in two sections; the first looking at what addiction is, and the second looking at what can be done about it.
The first chapters examine the various schools of thought on addiction, what factors make people more susceptible to this problem, whether addicts have particular personality traits and what thought patterns characterize addicts. The author shows a talent for explaining these in simple language, using examples drawn from his own personal experience and adding irony and humour, which makes the potentially difficult and complex theory element of the book both enjoyable and thought-provoking. The references draw on a huge body of research by reputable doctors and psychologists, and also reflect on the lyrics of Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan and Grandmaster Flash, who convey their own expert insights into addiction.
Later chapters in section one examine the features and effects of alcohol, nicotine and other drugs and also discuss addictions to sex and food. A balance is struck between explaining the biological effects of the drug/behaviour and looking at the feelings the addict experiences. To highlight these, the author draws on the conversations he has had with addicts themselves and these serve to clarify his points.
The second shorter section focuses on the decision-making process in giving up, the approaches of alcoholics/narcotics anonymous, treatment and recovery and includes an interesting discussion on the appropriateness of the helper. This looks at the advantages and disadvantages of former addicts versus professionals as treatment providers and is both amusing and humbling.
Overall, this book can be recommended for its accessibility, as Marteau’s conversational writing style and use of anecdotes make it hugely readable. A rare and wonderful treat in the field of addiction textbooks.
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