Prelude to a Paradigm Shift for Addiction

The addiction and substance use industry needs a transformation. As we know, the relapse rate for those who complete treatment programs is very high. We also know that the death rate due to drug overdoses is continuing to rise. More and more individuals are currently turning to the use of drugs and alcohol than ever before. While nothing has been done to rectify these situations, the treatment industry continues to provide the same services. Something must be done to help those who are suffering from substance use disorders. I believe that the initial problem that we have in the treatment of addictive behaviors is an epistemic one.

This book is an introduction or prelude to the development of a new paradigm for understanding drug and alcohol addiction and dependency. The current paradigm used to understand addictive behaviors is not adequate, as is exemplified by the ineffectiveness of the treatment inventions being used to treat addicts and alcoholics. I believe that we have been looking in the wrong place for both the cause of addiction and the solution to these disorders. I think that addictive behaviors are not about a person's physiology but rather about their psychology. When we change how we look at addiction, we can provide effective and efficient services to those in need.

Dr. Harry Henshaw is a licensed psychotherapist who has worked in mental health and substance use inpatient hospitals, residential treatment programs, outpatient counseling centers and clinics in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Florida. Dr. Henshaw earned his doctoral degree in human development from Boston University. Dr. Henshaw has been a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) for over 38 years. Dr. Henshaw is currently in private practice in Miami, Florida.