This text provides a comprehensive overview of psychological approaches to understanding addictions. Without denying the importance of biological factors, emphasis is placed more upon social, psychological and emotional factors as is necessary to a complete understanding of addiction. Within this framework, an addiction is not limited to substance-based behaviours such as drinking alcohol, smoking or drug use. Although these important areas are covered, a wider perspective is taken to include behavioural addictions such as gambling, violence and joy riding. Finally, prevention approaches are...

This text provides a comprehensive overview of psychological approaches to understanding addictions. Without denying the importance of biological factors, emphasis is placed more upon social, psychological and emotional factors as is necessary to a complete understanding of addiction. Within this framework, an addiction is not limited to substance-based behaviours such as drinking alcohol, smoking or drug use. Although these important areas are covered, a wider perspective is taken to include behavioural addictions such as gambling, violence and joy riding. Finally, prevention approaches are...