I found Johann Hari’s TED talk about addiction several months ago – it was compelling enough for me to read his book, Chasing the Scream.  You can watch the video below – I would be curious to know what you think.

As an addictions professional for the past 20 years – treating alcohol and drug issues, as well as sex, gambling, pornography, spending, internet, and video game related issues – I thought I knew most of what there is to know about addictions.

This book changed everything for me.  If you struggle with addiction or substance abuse, or if you know someone who does, READ THIS BOOK.  I thought I was a compassionate therapist – this book opened my eyes to how I could be more compassionate, more empathetic, and many help people a little better.

I always thought The War on Drugs started back in the 1980’s with the Reagan Presidency and “Just Say No.”  It goes back much further, almost 100 years ago – to a militant prohibitionist named Harry Anslinger who instituted some of the original, and most punitive, drug laws in our country.

The book goes on to show how some of his original ideas have led to an increased in organized crime, gang crime, drug-related deaths, and incarceration in the past 100 years.  The author interviews quite a few people involved in The War on Drugs – from street level dealers, Mexican cartel assassins, prohibition minded law enforcement offices, and legalization attorneys.  All with one goal in mind – how to understand the struggling addict and help him or her more compassionately.

Again, if you are at all interested or affected by addiction – or if someone in your family is, this is an excellent book to read.