Introduction to the Inaugural Stanton Peele Lecture
under the auspices of the Addiction Studies Program, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia, July 13, 1998

Stephen Wallace

Stanton has developed an eminence in the addiction field over the last twenty years that is enviable in any profession. He has inspired generations of practitioners and researchers who have felt justifiably dissatisfied with the traditionally dominant notions of, and approaches to, addictive behaviour.

Stanton signs books following his talk, with Stephen Wallace, Coordinator of Deakin University's Addiction Studies Program and sponsor of the Lecture, in the forefront right.

We are deeply honoured to have Stanton visit us here in Melbourne, all the more so as his work has formed the intellectual backbone of our addiction studies programs at Deakin over the last 18 years. As one of the Australian flagships in addiction studies, it is significant that his work has been so illuminating and stimulating for our students. It is no exaggeration to say that our programs are distinguished all the more through Stanton's considerable influence on their content. And if student feedback is any guide, Stanton's influence is certainly well recognized and valued.

It is appropriate that we acknowledge his enormous contribution to the study of addictive behaviour by the establishment of the Stanton Peele Lecture. It recognizes a lifetime of achievement which is characterized by the highest standards of scholarship, professional skill and ethical standards. This lecture will in time come to symbolize all that is special about Stanton: the pursuit of knowledge in the face of considerable opposition; an obdurate mission to advance the care of addicted people; and a great skill in communicating to all kinds of audiences some of the most difficult and contentious scientific ideas.

The Stanton Peele Lecture has been established by the School of Psychology to recognize significant contributions to the addictions field by researchers and practitioners who have achieved eminence by their willingness to advance current thinking and practice rather than simply reproducing it. It attempts to recognize the initiatives and cutting-edge scholarship of those who have significantly influenced the course of public policy and practice. As the first (and eponymous) presenter of the Stanton Peele lecture, we hope that this audience is inspired like many other of his audiences to advance their understandings and skills in dealing with addictive behaviour.

So it is with great pleasure I introduce the inaugural presenter of the Stanton Peele Lecture, Dr. Stanton Peele.