Under the Influence: The Literature of Addiction (Modern Library (Paperback))

Because our bodies work on the pain / pleasure principle, the human mind seeks both pain and pleasure in pursuit ultimately of pleasure. Anything having these two masters can become addictive . People are really addicted to pleasure. Even serial killers derive pleasure from their crimes awful outcomes and, hating themselves for past killings, continue to kill. Addiction is not limited only to weak minded individuals. It isn't always related to a substance society has termed or legislated into objective contraband. A young man's crush on a girl recently led him to kill her because, in his mind, if he could not have her, no one could. I find the greatest intrigue for me is how addiction is like human kind, very old and cuts across all class and wealth strata. Society clucks tongues and points fingers when it should perhaps realize addiction is a compulsive disorder over which the victim has no control and is often more a victim than a perpetrator. This is a well written book and one all people from every walk of life would do well to read because it breaks the back of self deception and the idea of smug conceited normalcy. There is NO normalcy. Everyone is a potential addict.

Great for my World Literature class.

Parts are highlighted in neon pink which wasnt in the description and this book is more like a text book for someone that wants to major in addiction speciality than someone who is just interested in others peoples experiences with drugs. But hey at least shipping was fast.

It is ok.

I bought this book for my partner who is working in the addiction field and she reports that it is very valuable to her. A recommended purchase.