The Globalization of Addiction

Abstract

AbstractAddiction is endemic in western free-market society. This is because free markets inevitably dislocate people from traditional sources of psychological, social and spiritual support, and because “dislocation”, in this broad sense of the term, is the precursor of addiction. Since free-market principles currently provide the blueprint for globalization, the prevalence of addiction is increasing everywhere. Analysis of addiction along these lines can lead addiction professionals to a view of their field that is both broader and more practical.Key Words: Addictionglobalizationdislocationfree-market societyetiology