Addicted?: How Addiction Affects Every One of Us and What We Can Do About It

by Matt Noffs

This book is about addictions of all kinds. Addictions to smartphones, sex, games, social media, gambling, money, but most of all to alcohol and drugs. The words 'addict' and 'addiction' are loaded with baggage. Not just in Australia, but the world over, addicts are considered to be sub-human, if not alien. This book aims to reclaim their dignity. It aims to rescue the word 'addiction' from its kidnappers and restore its humanity. It offers personal accounts from inspirational people who have found themselves in the grips of such addictions, and their amazing stories of survival.



At the Ted Noffs Foundation, Matt Noffs and Kieran Palmer spend their lives working with young people who have serious and often debilitating drug addictions. This book shares the tools they use every day. It offers insights into why addiction takes place and why it's a natural part of being human. It journeys across the spectrum of addictive behaviors, from social media to drugs like heroin. It questions the assumptions and begins to debunk the myth that all addiction is identical and predictable.



Addiction is something that could affect any of us. This is a book that everyone should read.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook, Unfinished

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2018

Reviews

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

How addicted am I and how much does it matter?
I'm not sure I know after this book. I think I need to look at addiction to sugar or relationships a bit slower than this. I had a hard time picturing all these addictions all at once.
Yeah, we all have our addictions, all take a price. My head can't get around all this.

[Jula]

I really didn’t like this book. I felt the writing was quite choppy and it didn’t flow easily. The information was broad and general. I disagree with the comparisons of different kinds of addictions which appear to indicate each can be as bad as the other.

[Daniel Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Addicted?: How Addiction Affects Every One of Us and What We Can Do About It" by Matt Noffs is a powerful and compassionate exploration of the complex issue of addiction. Noffs, drawing from his extensive experience in the field, offers a compelling narrative that combines personal stories, research, and practical insights, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of addiction.

One of the strengths of the book is Noffs' empathetic approach. He humanizes the issue of addiction by sharing personal stories of individuals and families grappling with the challenges of substance abuse. This approach fosters empathy and understanding, breaking down stigmas surrounding addiction and emphasizing the importance of compassion in addressing this widespread problem.

Noffs skillfully weaves scientific research and evidence-based strategies into the narrative, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on the multifaceted nature of addiction. The book not only educates but also inspires, offering hope and practical solutions for individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction.

The accessibility of Noffs' writing style makes complex topics comprehensible for a broad audience. Whether discussing the neurological aspects of addiction or exploring societal attitudes, Noffs maintains clarity and engagement, ensuring that readers can grasp the significance of the subject matter.

Moreover, the book doesn't solely focus on the problems; it also delves into potential solutions. Noffs advocates for a holistic and compassionate approach to addiction treatment and prevention, encouraging communities to come together and support those affected by this pervasive issue.

In conclusion, "Addicted?" is a commendable and insightful work that addresses addiction with empathy, expertise, and a call to action. Matt Noffs' ability to blend personal narratives with research and practical advice makes this book not only informative but also a catalyst for positive change in the way society perceives and deals with addiction. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a comprehensive and compassionate exploration of this critical issue.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insights into the role early childhood trauma, and trauma generally, can play in making people more susceptible to developing an addiction. Interesting to read about the distorted and limited cognitive frameworks that trauma can bring about. Now I have a better understanding of these things previously, it helps to build a more compassionate and empathetic understanding of people's struggles with addiction.

Not sure what I expected when I picked up this book but it has certainly expanded my understanding of the challenges many people who struggle with addiction - but also gives me hope that there are helpful strategies available to reclaim their lives, for those that can access such help.

[Chris Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very empathic authorship.
Sightly blurred in its concept of needs, wants, and addictions..

Addictions are definable as more of something than is good for you. A 'need' is the amount of which less of it would not be good for you.

This framework works for oxygen, water, food, toileting, sex, exercise, coffee, Facebook, medications etc..
There is always an upper and a lower boundary.

The example of a two year old's 'addiction' to building sites is probably more of a want than an addiction as it has no negative consequences (in fact mostly positive, even for the carer)

[Rob Nicholson · Rating 2 out of 5]

All over the place. Doesn't stay on topic long enough to actually deliver a coherent message. It almost always treats peoples' addictions as a result of their circumstances, like they had no choice. I feel this wasn't the author's intention; more time should have been spent supporting this and providing counter-arguments (i.e. should people be perpetually bound to a poor choice they made, maybe once in their life?)

The fragmented sections on alcohol prevalence in Australia, and how it compares with heavier substances on advertising revenue, societal damage etc was interesting.

[Billy Curry · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s some intense and well told individual stories in the book; some may find a bit confronting. The book tackles a complicated subject matter in thoughtful way. I would have liked to seen some statistics of what does, and doesn’t work. There are too many gaps it feels between symptoms, cure or living with addictions. The authors did a good job. Well done. Hopefully the book can be used to inspire others to take action, or at least create more awareness.

[Dillon Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting perspective on addiction/ substance abuse . The book was clunky to read and didn’t seem to flow or follow much structure. Interesting links identified and explained between trauma and addiction. The stories and personal perspective or the authors were useful in promoting a more empathetic view on substance abuse but the book didn’t provide much in the way of hope/ solutions to the addiction crisis.

[Emma McKiernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of those rare gems that i stumbled across and it completely opened my mind up to a new way of thinking.
The authors level of knowledge and understanding is evident in the way he is able to simplify the complex topics and unlock a new levels of empathy.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I really expected. The stories though brought tears. There are some amazing people out there

[BCM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on BorrowBox. Had trouble with the quoted account from others as the voice didn’t change but very informative.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enlightening breakdown through the process of having an addiction and how to manage and handle it.

Breaks it down with compassion and a degree of neutrality.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened as audiobook.

Interesting stories and sound helpful advice for people or supports for substance use.

[Holly Petteit · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s really good for changing bad habits, recognizing what needs to change and how to change it. It touches on the psychology of addiction and ways to cope with anxiety.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has really helped me on my personal growth journey.