Addiction: A Philosophical Perspective by Candice Shelby

A book reflection by Leigh Martinuzzi

Addiction is real! I hate my addictions both current and past. I’ve suffered from a few for what seems like a lifetime. It is a significant part of the human condition. It has been argued to be a condition that influences many living species. In some way, shape or form, I would say that we are all prone and exposed to addiction at some stage in our life.

My interest in addiction is personal however from what I can tell; it’s common for all. Many make claims that addiction is a disease however as Candice Shelby in her book Addiction explains is an addiction is a phenomenon that is best solved on many different levels at once.

Addiction is more of an essay than a book. Shelby describes such dependency from many different perspectives. As a professor of philosophy Shelby not only presents philosophical insight but also neurobiological, psychological, developmental, environmental, and sociological and any other discoveries or insights humans have made along the journey of better understanding addiction.

I for one appreciate the research in this book. It is refreshing and not at all one-sided. It brings compassion to the table when trying to understand and deal with this topic whether at the individual or societal levels. It is too easy for us to judge another for their poor choices. It’s easy to disregard addiction with the thought that others are merely weak-willed or not intelligent enough to make proper decisions.

Shelby explains that addiction is more of a process than a condition that is characterised not just by chemical alteration, imbalance and craving nor by choice alone. It is distinguished by a combination of elements including physical, mental and social patterns.

These patterns develop and continue for a length of time. Sometimes a lifetime. They are dependent on the construction of the addiction, intensity, condition, circumstance and just as they develop they will also reverse when the elements that were necessary to create the cravings dissipate.

Having read a book by Lisa Feldman Barrett called How Emotions Are Made I felt better prepared for receiving this text. It was a slow read as I tried to navigate my way through thoughts and new insight, and learnings. It was complicated but not complicated. I feel Candice has done a rather splendid job explaining the various theories and counter-arguments to each of them.

Each chapter moves through a new realm or theory. Candice clarifies why it is necessary to avoid categorising addiction into one narrow aspect. It inspired me to read on. If we wish to deal with addiction, if it indeed is a cultural problem, then we need to understand better how and why it exists.

One argument that Shelby raises is that how can one person who is disciplined, successful and seemingly strong-willed in so many aspects of their life be, at the same time, an addict?

There are many other just arguments we will all be able to understand. For example, how does one person overcome their addiction and another not? Why is it possible for one to favour one particular agent of addiction yet be repulsed by another? How can people who have lived through trauma or raised poorly still avoid such addictions? Why is it that many people who succumb to a particular type of addiction young find it easy to exist their dependence with age and without any counselling, support programs or other medical/psychological support?

While many of these questions appear relatively straightforward, they are not ones in which we reflect on too often. Perhaps we should. This book helps shift any predetermined assumptions or opinions on what addiction is all about. Shelby has put together a well thought out and well-written piece of work. It has not only deepened my understanding of addiction but raised my compassion towards any others who may suffer such ailments.

At the end of reading it, I felt relieved. I see addiction as something that none of us tackles alone even though we might often feel as though we do. It’s refreshing to reflect on why we do certain behaviours that annoy us yet at the same time take a bit of the edge of our self-critical nature.

Maybe addiction is here to stay. A tool with multiple purposes. One that allows us to search for higher meaning and still find confusion all the same. One that will enable us to heal suffering while also pushing us into more pain. One that frees us and at the same time restricts us. For whatever the case, have a read. I don’t believe this book will disappoint.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Addiction: A Philosophical Perspective here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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