When Society Becomes an Addict

by Anne Wilson Schaef

The author indentifies addiction as the underlying malaise of Western society and, in a synthesis of feminist, chemical dependency, and mental health theories, she explores the attributes of the addictive process and discusses its common manifestations

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Addiction, Politics, History, Philosophy, Sociology

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Diana Young]

This book is FULL of flaws: I will be first to admit it.
This book has a tone like steel wool: abrasive, prickly: shrill, even.
This book simmers with anger and resentment like a cauldron of acid

This book is worth reading
and reading again
and reading again
and reading again
until someone else writes a book LIKE this
this book says a thing that is so unwelcome and so so necessary
I recommend it to anyone who can read it
the recognition is worth whatever discomfort

it's not a fun read : it's not funny or charming : it's NOT palatable at all
the author is full of uncharming flaws that you want to catalog in a separate volume
you would not.. invite the author for a social occasion
One's judgement of the author is always on : as a self-defense mechanism

I really urge you to read it : I gave it five starts for the insight ; that's worth this abrasion: to me

[Alan Newton]

A fascinating book, written in the 80s, which couldn’t be more on the money in terms of the Addictive System we live in and how money, greed, consumerism has essentially corrupted everything. We live in a completely fake reality created by a wealthy elite which is propped up by all of our main systems; government, education, health, religion, big business. It’s fake in the sense that it masks our true nature and what’s good for our well being. The Addictive System is , what the author refers to as a White Male System , which has constructed this fake reality for its own ends. The system encompasses and displays all the classic symptoms of an addict, with its codependents (all individuals within the system that don’t recognise they’re a part of the problem). A key example of climate change, were many of us continue to go about our daily business whilst we accelerate towards our impending doom (or, rather our offsprings impending doom and our increasing discomfort) because of our actions and behaviours right now. We are already within the sixth great extinction and yet, day to day, few of us do little to anything to curb the issue because it doesn’t appear to materially impact our lives day to day. Whilst Schaef doesn’t go into this example specifically, its inherent in her analysis and connects well with the work of Thom Hartmann and David Wallace-Wells.

Schaefs use of the Lincoln Log to provide a visual for what is effectively a seesaw between two poles and how they are part of a dualistic approach where there is a third way is fascinating. She explores the connections and combinations between self deprivation and envy, blame and responsibility, prickishness and neediness, analysis and paralysis, fear and anger , win and lose, hopelessness and perfectionism, arrogance and going one-down, enabling and ignoring , Male and female (albeit, I think the latter, given how it’s written should possibly be masculine and feminine).

Her conclusions on how the system controls us to an extent that doesn’t allow us to express who we really are will chime with a great number of people. And, if we cannot be who we are, the universe is punctuated with holes 🕳 (though it doesn’t go as far as to suggest actual black holes, it’s very much metaphoric!). All in all, a very interesting read.

[Lindsay Nixon]

Slim book from the late 80s but on point for today’s society

[Ian Divertie]

Well, this is an excellent book and HUGELY relevant to our current search for a new President in the year 2016, you should read it! Feminist philosophy regarding, "White Male Power" as an addictive societal problem. Not really about alcoholism or drug addiction but it does discuss those issues as it relates to "White Male Power" as a sub-type of the addictive disease process. Some of our recent maneuverings on TV amongst the Republican candidates are practically the subject of this book! Although written in 1988, prescient maybe? Oh, yes without doubt!

[Fishface]

This started out as a gripping read that frames about 90% of human behavior as addictive, or addicted, in nature. She was actually pretty convincing until I sat back and realized, hey, if EVERYTHING's an addiction, then NOTHING is. But this book is still valuable because it's important to understand the logic (?) behind that kind of thinking, which makes the Twelve Steppers look more like Moonies some days.

[Lawrence Bish]

One of many books our culture and society is not ready for. Too bad, too, because a broad and deep understanding of addiction, (as far as we've moved toward one, that is)and a serendipitous awakening to the extent that it permeates modern life such as offered here by Anne Wilson Schaef, just might save us. I'm not optimistic.

[Jeff]

Incredible clarity.

[Frank]

Anne Wilson Schaef provides insite into the additictive process and recovery. She has been very active in the Womans Movement. Worth reading
.

[Deborah Carroll]

Outline & wording for interesting concepts worthy of further contemplation...words to describe a sense the public may have regarding interpersonal relation dynamics that they have already perceived yet perhaps haven't had words to describe. Not altogether new, especially if you have read similar, yet perhaps presented in a new way, along with hints at solutions to ineffectual & divisive dominant paradigm processes. Written about 30 years ago, could have been written yesterday...especially in light of the more current/recent #metoo movement.

[CatherineAda Campbell]

When Society Becomes an Addict is an illuminating look at how pervasive the addiction model is in our social, economic, and government institutions. A must read for anyone working in dysfunctional systems, from small businesses to huge corporations, from local government to national and international governing bodies.

[MaryKay Keller]

I love her books. So illuminating and resonating. I first read her book on Society and addictions. I found it in a desk drawer in my new office when I was hired at a county Substance Abuse Prevention Agency. Learned more from her than the training in SAP.

[Megan Megan Megan]

I can't believe this book was written in 1987. It was a little dry.

[Rebecca]

A little outdated. Excellent metaphor for looking at the dualism that perpetuates our Addictive and oppressive White Male system. A valuable tool for working on creating a Living Process System, one that is fluid and values individuality, peace and respect for everyone!

[Rosemary Brown]

Another big influence on Dr. Brown.

[Barbc]

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