This Ted Talk has been causing quite a bit of conversation which I think is good. Johann Hari offers a different approach to addiction than what many in recovery circles might like--one that is a bit more empathetic in my opinion.
While I do think we shame, stigmatize, alienate people with addiction--even in treatment and recovery circles--I still believe we need to maintain healthy boundaries with people in active addiction. This is for our own emotional and spiritual health--and their own.
I also feel he pooh-poohs the medical/disease model a bit too much and resorts to somewhat overly simplistic, reductionistic, or dualistic thinking. I tend to favor more of a holistic approach, one that offers both/and solutions rather than either/or. Why can't we take Hari's approach and combine it with the medical model, healthy 12 step fellowships, and good neuroscience? I in fact believe we can.
Nevertheless, Hari's short talk is worth a watch.
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