Views on Diseasing of America
"Commonly accepted ideas about alcoholism and other addictions are almost entirely without scientific basis. We have more than enough diseases without inventing new ones to relieve us of moral responsibility to deal with the complexity of the human condition. Diseasing of America is an important book that should be read by all concerned about addiction. An added bonus—Dr. Peele writes exceptionally well."
—Neil A. Kurtzman, M.D., Arnett Professor of Medicine, and Chairman, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
"Peele makes it abundantly clear that the disease model of addiction, the ideology that currently reigns over the American addiction treatment industry, is basically an emperor without clothes. By placing addictive behaviors in the context of other problems of living, Peele emphasizes personal responsibility for one's habits. His views, well documented with timely references to new scientific data, contrasts sharply with the biological determinism of the disease model, a view that portrays addicts as helpless victims of forces beyond their control. The book empowers the reader to view addiction in a new optimistic light."
—G. Alan Marlatt, Ph.D., Director, Addictive Behaviors Research Center, University of Washington, and coauthor of Relapse Prevention.
"A courageous indictment of the destructive mindset that all deviant behavior is a disease. Peele offers mindful alternatives to those suffering from addictions and to professionals seeking to help them."
—Ellen Langer, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Harvard University, and author of Mindfulness
"Stanton Peele is the latest in a long and worthy line of American contrarians unwilling to accept the status quo, especially when it is the product of wishful thinking, not empirical research. In this book, Peele challenges us to examine our most fervently held beliefs on the causes and cures of the addictive disorders—and urges us to modify them, when the impelling logic of the data demands."
—Peter E. Nathan, Ph.D., Starr Professor and Director, Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University.
"Peele's is a voice of sanity on a topic where confusion and false doctrine reign today. His book addresses a subject of urgent importance in America. Peele brings to the task many years of expertise, as well as plenty of common-sense insight. It should have a major influence in redefining America's views on alcoholism and addiction generally."
—Herbert Fingarette, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, University of California, and author of Heavy Drinking
