In Most of What You Know About Addiction is Wrong, distinguished psychiatrist Anirudh
Kala debunks common myths on the largely misunderstood topic of addiction.
The book introduces readers to the ways in which humankind has been engaging
with addictive substances over time and our complicated ongoing relationship
with them.
Beginning with the early humans and the formation of their bonds with mindaltering substances, it goes on to share a comprehensive account of the use of
various substances in India with a special focus on Punjab. In the late 80s, drug
addiction peaked in Punjab and it continues to be a major public health concern
today. The book closely examines the links between addiction and the social and
economic changes plaguing the state, urging policy makers and law enforcement
to stop viewing addiction through a moralistic prism and to adopt a more holistic
and scientific approach to manage it.
Both the history and the science of addiction are explained in an easy-to-read,
accessible style. The nature-versus-nurture debate about the origins of addiction
also feature prominently in the book. The benefits of decriminalization and
legalization of addictive substances, which countries like Portugal have achieved
through pragmatic initiatives are substantiated with ample data. Statistics about
the number of people using drugs or affected by addictions are not just quoted;
readers are shown how to derive meaning from this data.
Most of What You Know About Addiction is Wrong sends out a set of well-researched,
informed and timely messages about how mature societies should be handling
addictive drugs. This makes the book essential reading for policy makers,
politicians, health professionals as well as general readers everywhere.
