What do you think?
Rate this book
Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma
Understanding Know Science, No Stigma is a must-read for those suffering from the tragic effects of drugs and alcohol.
In Understanding Know Science, No Stigma, doctors Chuck Smith and Jason Hunt bring a unique and important perspective to the subject of addiction. Experts in the field, Smith and Hunt have personal, firsthand experience with the humiliation and shame that accompanies substance use disorder. But addiction, as they point out, is a disease, no less so than diabetes or heart disease, and it needs to be treated as such. If you, or a loved one, is struggling with addiction, you'll find help in Smith and Hunt's book. When one understands the science behind addiction, one can begin to move forward. Beyond the stigma lies hope.
In this short but powerful book, Smith and Hunt discuss the science involved in substance abuse disorder as well
Risk FactorsScreening and InterventionDetoxTreatment StrategiesPros and Cons of AALong-Term Success
From both personal experience as well as professional expertise, Smith and Hunt know their subject intimately.
In Understanding Know Science, No Stigma, doctors Chuck Smith and Jason Hunt bring a unique and important perspective to the subject of addiction. Experts in the field, Smith and Hunt have personal, firsthand experience with the humiliation and shame that accompanies substance use disorder. But addiction, as they point out, is a disease, no less so than diabetes or heart disease, and it needs to be treated as such. If you, or a loved one, is struggling with addiction, you'll find help in Smith and Hunt's book. When one understands the science behind addiction, one can begin to move forward. Beyond the stigma lies hope.
In this short but powerful book, Smith and Hunt discuss the science involved in substance abuse disorder as well
Risk FactorsScreening and InterventionDetoxTreatment StrategiesPros and Cons of AALong-Term Success
From both personal experience as well as professional expertise, Smith and Hunt know their subject intimately.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2021
74 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 16, 2024
great book by doctors who have experienced addition. my only critique is that I think it would be useful to add how relapse can sometimes be part of the process.
July 12, 2021
Should be mandatory reading for all health professionals and a useful tool for ANYONE who suffers from addiction or loves someone who does. Quick read - useful details.
September 12, 2025
An interesting approach to the ideology of stigma in society around addiction; incorporated science and spoke in laymen’s speech. A great book for individuals who are considering treatment for addiction, who are in treatment, or who have a family member who may require treatment. Uses personal narratives of the doctors and their struggles with substance abuse disorder. Could use more diverse understandings about people of color, gender variance, sexuality, and more on women other than pregnant mothers; however, it is not meant to act as a text book.
Very quick read.
Very quick read.
April 30, 2025
Short but very informative. Great read!
So hard to remove the stigma from addiction and mental health disorders. People get pushed away when they need support the most. When viewed as a disease as opposed to a moral failing, they can get the help and treatment needed.
So hard to remove the stigma from addiction and mental health disorders. People get pushed away when they need support the most. When viewed as a disease as opposed to a moral failing, they can get the help and treatment needed.
September 5, 2023
The book argues that addiction is a disease - not a consequence of moral failing or lack of willpower. The authors are recovered alcoholics and drug abusers. Theirs is a story of a remarkable comeback from the throes of complete self-destruction.
The core argument about what causes addiction is best described in the words of the authors:
Evolution has given us a way to settle the restless, irritable discontent that comes with hunger, thirst, and other conditions that might negatively affect our well-being. When we satisfy our discomfort, we’re given a shot of dopamine that makes us feel good. A reward. Alcohol and drugs mimic this shot, in some cases exponentially. Fortunately, for about 90 per cent of us, the brain has a built-in braking system called gamma-aminobutyric acid that tells us when to stop consuming whatever substance it is that’s releasing such large amounts of dopamine. Unfortunately, that braking system is faulty for about 10 per cent of us. Worse, for that 10 per cent, the brain adjusts. More and more dopamine becomes required to settle the restless, irritable discontent. More is needed, in other words, to feel normal. Worse still, long-term overuse of alcohol and drugs causes actual, physical, demonstrable changes to the prefrontal cortex, that part of the brain responsible for decision-making. At some point, no amount of reasoning can help the addicted person. The range of things important to him becomes very narrow, encompassing little outside of the substance that is, by now, bringing him no pleasure but only helping him stave off the horrific feelings that come about if the substance is withdrawn from his system.
It is a short book but packs a great deal of wisdom for anyone who needs to help a loved one - or himself - rise from the pit of any addiction.
The core argument about what causes addiction is best described in the words of the authors:
Evolution has given us a way to settle the restless, irritable discontent that comes with hunger, thirst, and other conditions that might negatively affect our well-being. When we satisfy our discomfort, we’re given a shot of dopamine that makes us feel good. A reward. Alcohol and drugs mimic this shot, in some cases exponentially. Fortunately, for about 90 per cent of us, the brain has a built-in braking system called gamma-aminobutyric acid that tells us when to stop consuming whatever substance it is that’s releasing such large amounts of dopamine. Unfortunately, that braking system is faulty for about 10 per cent of us. Worse, for that 10 per cent, the brain adjusts. More and more dopamine becomes required to settle the restless, irritable discontent. More is needed, in other words, to feel normal. Worse still, long-term overuse of alcohol and drugs causes actual, physical, demonstrable changes to the prefrontal cortex, that part of the brain responsible for decision-making. At some point, no amount of reasoning can help the addicted person. The range of things important to him becomes very narrow, encompassing little outside of the substance that is, by now, bringing him no pleasure but only helping him stave off the horrific feelings that come about if the substance is withdrawn from his system.
It is a short book but packs a great deal of wisdom for anyone who needs to help a loved one - or himself - rise from the pit of any addiction.
March 20, 2022
This book was written by two physicians who were addicted as well. They describe how the brain works to cause the addiction and that addiction is a symptom of a real disease process. Finally addiction medicine has become a specialty; just like cardiology, endocrinology, and oncology. Medicine has been lagging behind to recognize addiction as something that can be treated instead of dismissed. This book has the most up to date information on the cause and the treatment of addiction. With so many people dying of drug over doses, you would think that there would be more being done by the medical field, for research on how to treat the addiction and prevent relapse. I highly recommend it for anyone who has had a love one who has become addicted and for the addicted patient as well.
November 15, 2022
This is a great jumping off point for a person with addiction or a loved one. I appreciated the personal stories of the two doctors and the metaphors for brain activity for the lay person. However, it was too short! I wish there had been more information about the brain explaining why people with addictions do what they do (or don’t do), but like I said it’s a great starter book. My only other critique is just me being picky about stylistic choices of the authors - I could have done without the repeated phrase of “we hope you know by now…” Overall, the book is honestly a must read for every person, since so much of society is affected by addiction and there is still so much stigma and misunderstanding surrounding the disease.
September 18, 2021
This book is the best book I have ever read on addiction. They explain addiction so well and they explain how it is a disease and the science behind addiction. They tell their stories of how they each overcame addiction, and it really shows you that addiction can happen to anyone and explains why addiction happens. I think that this book is going to help change the negative energy that follows addiction. I would highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with addiction, or someone who is in recovery, or to someone who may have a loved one struggling. Amazing book!
December 30, 2021
Illuminating
I was sceptical about thinking of addiction as a disease. But this pair of doctors, both recovered from addiction themselves, beautifully explain how science supports this approach, and how it can inform more humane and effective treatment.
Anyone even peripherally involved in the field should read this.
I was sceptical about thinking of addiction as a disease. But this pair of doctors, both recovered from addiction themselves, beautifully explain how science supports this approach, and how it can inform more humane and effective treatment.
Anyone even peripherally involved in the field should read this.
December 28, 2021
Straightforward Information!
As a therapist, I read this book to see if it would be a good fit as a recommendation to families I work with. I didn’t get more then two pages in before I already suggested a family read it.
As a therapist, I read this book to see if it would be a good fit as a recommendation to families I work with. I didn’t get more then two pages in before I already suggested a family read it.
November 24, 2022
I love this little gem of a book explaining how to best treat addiction and understand it better. This is a smart, compassionate look at a disease that makes everyone uneasy and ashamed. Buying more copies for work.
January 5, 2023
Very easy reading on a very complex topic. I wish there was more information on factors that contribute to success in recovery, but the overall message is clear, direct, and informative. There is a typo on page 111.
January 24, 2023
This was excellent. I'm giving it 4 stars because I feel not enough people have the information that is in this, and it should become common knowledge. However, I would have loved more science and fewer anecdotes.
July 14, 2023
Great book packed with solid information.
The two recovering physicians really lay it on the line. They offer personal stories and scientific information to show the addict and families there is hope and we do recover.
The two recovering physicians really lay it on the line. They offer personal stories and scientific information to show the addict and families there is hope and we do recover.
August 12, 2023
Excellent
Great read, especially if you are in recovery. People need to stop stigmatizing addiction. Addiction is a disease. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get help if you have a problem.
Great read, especially if you are in recovery. People need to stop stigmatizing addiction. Addiction is a disease. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get help if you have a problem.
September 17, 2021
Good, quick help in understanding the brain of an addict. They even have a program that seems to work, but it's only available to doctors, airplane pilots, and lawyers. So close but so far away.
October 27, 2022
Short read! Very informative for someone who struggles with addiction or has a love one who struggles ❤️
April 30, 2023
Great basic resource for understanding addiction.
August 22, 2025
This provides a great point of view into the world of individuals who struggle with addiction, experiences of how to get out of addiction, and it provides some options for support and discusses the recovery process.
October 3, 2025
Very interesting book, I had to read for a class but genuinely did change my perspective on those struggling with addiction and I learned a lot about the science behind addiciton
February 6, 2022
Focus on the Reality of Substance Abuse
Good call go action for our country to recognize additions as a Dopamine chemical imbalance and a disease just like other diabetes or cancer!
What was missing in this book was references to current research about this chemical imbalance being related to the gut, referred by the latest research as humans 2nd brain.
By adding a chapter or two to include current Mind/Gut connection research findings about the important role the Vagus nerve plays within the human body, and adding other brain addition research findings made since 2015 ( related to gut health and out diets) additional hope for better treatment can be offered to those afflicted with this disease.
Good call go action for our country to recognize additions as a Dopamine chemical imbalance and a disease just like other diabetes or cancer!
What was missing in this book was references to current research about this chemical imbalance being related to the gut, referred by the latest research as humans 2nd brain.
By adding a chapter or two to include current Mind/Gut connection research findings about the important role the Vagus nerve plays within the human body, and adding other brain addition research findings made since 2015 ( related to gut health and out diets) additional hope for better treatment can be offered to those afflicted with this disease.
October 28, 2022
Great book, quick read. A lot of good information.
May 2, 2025
Great book on understanding addiction from a scientific viewpoint. The authors explain addiction in terms everyone can understand and share their personal stories as well.
January 8, 2023
**update** I recently started my BA in Psychology and within Week 1, I used this book as a source for both classes. Thank you greatly, Dr. Smith and Dr. Hunt! I hope you’re both doing well! Happy New Year!
Incredible perspective and eloquently explained.
Incredible perspective and eloquently explained.
October 5, 2021
Great book! These guys have very powerful stories that will give many hope. This book breaks down the science behind addiction in an easy to read style. It also helps to understand that addiction is a disease and not just a lack of morals.
Kyle
Kentucky Peer Support Specialist
Kyle
Kentucky Peer Support Specialist
October 15, 2021
Great piece of work
As a clinical social worker with a specialty in substance use disorders for over 30 years, this book is a great resource. I wish I could buy a copy to give to all my clients.
As a clinical social worker with a specialty in substance use disorders for over 30 years, this book is a great resource. I wish I could buy a copy to give to all my clients.
December 22, 2023
Really unimpressive and adds nothing to the discussion
Very basic information about addiction, no insights, bland writing. Basically says get to a treatment facility and hopefully more long term solutions will become available. Who reviews these books four and five stars???
Very basic information about addiction, no insights, bland writing. Basically says get to a treatment facility and hopefully more long term solutions will become available. Who reviews these books four and five stars???
March 22, 2022
A great brief book on addiction.I still like the other one better, “Understanding and helping an addict” by Andrew P. Would recommended to others
June 9, 2025
addiction runs in my family. I avoid anything that could be addictive when I can but it was nice to learn more about jt
April 11, 2025
THE BOOK'S STRUCTURE AND APPROACH. The book is short and easy to listen to, with much of it consisting of the authors' personal stories and relatable examples. Their honesty about their failures builds trust and offers the reassuring message that recovery is possible for anyone. The authors propose a 5-year solution with only a 20% relapse rate - contrasted with AA’s faith-based approach, which sees an 80% relapse rate after just one year.
DISEASE, NOT IDENTITY. Addiction is framed as a disease, not a choice, and the language around it matters. Instead of labeling people as addicts, which ties their identity to the disease, it’s better to say they have an addiction. This distinction helps reduce stigma and shame, much like how someone with diabetes wouldn’t be shamed for their condition. Addiction often runs in families, further emphasizing its basis in biology and environment, not moral failing.
DOPAMINE AND ADDICTION. Dopamine plays a powerful role in reinforcing behaviors. For perspective:
* 100% dopamine means your brain feels all is well, no anxiety needed.
* 150% for food or drink.
* 200% during sex.
* 250% for nicotine.
Substances like cocaine and meth skyrocket dopamine levels far beyond these natural activities, creating an addictive pull. Interestingly, 10% of the population has dopamine receptors that amplify the effects even more, which may explain why certain people are more prone to addiction.
As addiction progresses, the brain’s pleasure response diminishes with repetition. People addicted long-term shift from seeking pleasure to simply trying to feel “normal” for a while.
WHY SHAMING DOESN'T WORK. Saying, “Pull yourself together” or “Can’t you see what this is doing to your family/work?” is pointless because addiction is a disease, not a choice. Recovery doesn’t come from guilt or willpower alone - it requires treating the underlying condition.
EGO AND SELF-PITY. Self-pity and pride stem from the same place: ego. Both can reinforce a cycle of unhealthy thought patterns, fueling addiction rather than breaking it. Recognizing this connection might help in developing healthier self-perceptions.
FINAL REFLECTION. The book’s straightforward approach to addiction as a disease, free of judgment or moralizing, is its greatest strength. Its focus on understanding dopamine’s role, the physiological basis of addiction, and the need to reframe language around addiction is refreshing and actionable.
DISEASE, NOT IDENTITY. Addiction is framed as a disease, not a choice, and the language around it matters. Instead of labeling people as addicts, which ties their identity to the disease, it’s better to say they have an addiction. This distinction helps reduce stigma and shame, much like how someone with diabetes wouldn’t be shamed for their condition. Addiction often runs in families, further emphasizing its basis in biology and environment, not moral failing.
DOPAMINE AND ADDICTION. Dopamine plays a powerful role in reinforcing behaviors. For perspective:
* 100% dopamine means your brain feels all is well, no anxiety needed.
* 150% for food or drink.
* 200% during sex.
* 250% for nicotine.
Substances like cocaine and meth skyrocket dopamine levels far beyond these natural activities, creating an addictive pull. Interestingly, 10% of the population has dopamine receptors that amplify the effects even more, which may explain why certain people are more prone to addiction.
As addiction progresses, the brain’s pleasure response diminishes with repetition. People addicted long-term shift from seeking pleasure to simply trying to feel “normal” for a while.
WHY SHAMING DOESN'T WORK. Saying, “Pull yourself together” or “Can’t you see what this is doing to your family/work?” is pointless because addiction is a disease, not a choice. Recovery doesn’t come from guilt or willpower alone - it requires treating the underlying condition.
EGO AND SELF-PITY. Self-pity and pride stem from the same place: ego. Both can reinforce a cycle of unhealthy thought patterns, fueling addiction rather than breaking it. Recognizing this connection might help in developing healthier self-perceptions.
FINAL REFLECTION. The book’s straightforward approach to addiction as a disease, free of judgment or moralizing, is its greatest strength. Its focus on understanding dopamine’s role, the physiological basis of addiction, and the need to reframe language around addiction is refreshing and actionable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews