Title: Memoirs of an Addicted Brain: A Neuroscientist Examines his Former Life on Drugs
Author: Marc Lewis
First published October 4, 2011
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780385669252 (ISBN10: 0385669259)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
In his book, Memoirs of an Addicted Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Exploration of his Past Life on Drugs, Dr. Marc Lewis presents an eye-opening and triumphant memoir that digs deep into the science behind addiction. Through his own story of addiction to various substances, from LSD to heroin, he delves into the reasons why we are often desperate for what we can’t have, and the cycle of craving and using that leads to addiction.
Drawing on his extensive knowledge of neuroscience, Dr. Lewis provides a detailed analysis of the neural mechanics of addiction, and how drugs interact with the brain to create a distortion of normal perception. But this is not just an academic study – Dr. Lewis writes from the heart, sharing his personal journey to freedom from addiction, and his subsequent career in neuroscience.
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand addiction and its effects on the brain and the self.
About the Author
Meet Marc Lewis, a neuroscientist and professor of developmental psychology. He taught and researched at the University of Toronto from 1989 to 2010 and is currently at Radboud University in the Netherlands.
With over 50 journal publications in psychology and neuroscience, he is a prolific author and editor. He has written an academic book on developmental psychology and co-authored a book for parents.
His latest focus has been on addiction, and he has written two books on the subject.
Editoral Review
Memoirs of an Addicted Brain: A Neuroscientist Examines his Former Life on Drugs is a non-fiction book written by Marc Lewis. Published on October 4, 2011, the book is a memoir that chronicles the author’s journey through addiction and his eventual recovery.
The book is a mix of personal narrative and scientific analysis, making it a unique addition to the genre of addiction literature.
Lewis, a respected neuroscientist, provides a compelling account of his addiction to drugs, which began in his teenage years and lasted for over a decade. He describes his experiences with various drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, and how they affected his life and relationships.
Through his personal story, Lewis examines the neuroscience of addiction and the impact of drug use on the brain.
The book is divided into three parts, with each section focusing on a different aspect of Lewis’s experience. The first part covers his descent into addiction, the second part explores his recovery, and the third part delves into the science of addiction.
Throughout the book, Lewis provides insight into the complex nature of addiction and the challenges of overcoming it.
One of the strengths of the book is Lewis’s ability to blend personal narrative with scientific analysis. His background as a neuroscientist provides a unique perspective on addiction, and his insights into the brain’s response to drugs are both informative and engaging.
Additionally, Lewis’s writing is clear and accessible, making the book an easy read despite its complex subject matter.
Another notable aspect of the book is Lewis’s willingness to confront the stigma surrounding addiction. He challenges the idea that addiction is a moral failing and instead presents it as a disease that requires medical intervention.
This perspective is particularly relevant in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States.
However, Memoirs of an Addicted Brain is not without its flaws. At times, the book can be overly technical, with detailed descriptions of brain chemistry and scientific studies that may be difficult for some readers to follow.
Additionally, some may find Lewis’s writing to be overly self-indulgent, with an excessive focus on his personal experiences.
Overall, Memoirs of an Addicted Brain is a thought-provoking and informative book that offers a unique perspective on addiction. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the science of addiction or those seeking a personal account of recovery.
The book is particularly relevant in today’s society, where addiction continues to be a significant public health issue. I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its informative content and unique perspective.
