Addiction: The Brain Disease
Gr 7-10–Preachy in tone, this volume leaves much to be desired. The illustrations are cartoonish and reminiscent of 1970s art; a lot of space is dedicated to the genetic aspect of addiction; and scare tactics, including horrifying “true” stories, are the mainstay of the argument against becoming addicted to drugs. Although helpful resources are listed in the back matter, including websites, it is doubtful that many readers will stick with the book long enough to get to them. The middle section, “Self-Test Questions,” includes “screening tests” for different types of disorders and addictions. The main thesis seems to be that we are all addicted to something and to live life to the best of our ability, we need to find out what it is and let go of it. Alternatives to this title are Wyatt S. Schaefer's Addiction (2007) and Louise I. Gerdes's Addiction (2004, both Greenhaven).–Robin Henry, Wakeland High School, Frisco, TXα(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.