Fragmented Intimacy - Peter J. Adams

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Résumé :
Here is the first major work that examines the benefits of applying social understanding to addiction. Traditional approaches have been dominated by what the book labels particle perspectives, in which treatment focuses on the person experiencing the addiction. Despite decades of research, particle-based approaches have yielded marginal results in reducing addiction. The author demonstrates how a social perspective shifts the paradigm from viewing a person in terms of particles to viewing a person in terms of relationships. This reorientation creates promising new opportunities for intervention. The book discusses recent advances in theories on community capacity building, resilience, and social ecology alongside their practical applications for psychologists, addiction counselors, and social workers. Written in an accessible and engaging style, the book features numerous vignettes, key points, and illustrations that demonstrate the relevance of content to addiction intervention....

Biographie:
Peter Adams has a practice background in clinical psychology and an academic background in critical social theory. He is currently Director of Social and Community Health at the School of Population Health, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand. He has developed and taught in postgraduate programs on addictions for the past ten years. Ideas for the book evolved from his 25-year involvement in research, teaching, and clinical intervention involving different aspects of addiction....

Sommaire:
Theory.- Addiction in Perspective.- A Social World.- Addiction and Connecting.- Responding to Addiction.- Processes.- Becoming Intimate.- Intimacies in Addictive Contexts.- Intimacy and Power.- Families and Communities.- Fragmented Lives.- Collective Opportunities.- Reintegration.- Applications.- Family Resources.- Mobilizing Communities.- Applications to Practice.- Looking Ahead....

From the reviews: Adams (population health, U. of Auckland) uses a social-ecological approach to address the needs of the addicted and those around them. He closely examines the ways addiction disrupts intimacy, leading to cycles of loss and isolation, and the means by which the addicted and those around them can re-engage. ... He provides a significant amount of material about applying these concepts directly to practice at the family and community level. (www.booknews.com, April, 2008) Adams provides a refreshing, needed analysis that complements new scientific discoveries; he goes beyond biological and neuropsychological explanations to explore the reciprocal influences of social context and addiction. ... Adams's coverage is novel, and the book is more comprehensive than previous works have been. He offers a solid theory and integrates empirical support throughout his discussion. ... this volume can serve as a library resource, a textbook, or a clinical manual. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers, all levels. (M. Bonner, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (10), June, 2008)