The Selfish Brain

I met Dr. DuPont in 1979 while I was serving as chairman of the Texans' War on Drugs Committee. He was the first director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. His advice was invaluable to our commission. In his new book, The Selfish Brain: Learning From Addiction, Dr. DuPont has linked, for the first time, the rapidly expanding scientific knowledge about addiction and his own intensely personal experiences over more than a quarter of a century of working with addicted people and their families. He extends his useful ideas to the areas of public policy and to the global dimensions of this uniquely human disease. There are important roles for governments in the processes of addiction prevention and treatment but, at root, addiction is always absolutely personal. The problem of addiction must be confronted and solved one person at a time. Neither addiction prevention nor treatment can be granted or given. That inescapable reality not only makes these goals more difficult, but also makes them more precious and more lasting. This is not a pretty or an easy story, but it is one filled with hope for the future for those individuals, families, communities, and countries ready to confront the real and serious problems of addiction and to find their own unique ways to prevent and overcome these problems. Our country is fortunate to have a man of Dr. DuPont's stature and ability who has dedicated himself to the important cause of the prevention and treatment of addiction. Ross Perot Dr. DuPont, in this rational and readable book, highlights some of the keys to overcoming chemical dependence for individuals, and for winning the battle against drugs as a nation: honesty, responsibility, hard work, and accountability. As he writes, 'Because an addiction requires dishonesty, honesty is the one-word antidote to all forms of addiction.' I applaud his efforts and this book. William J. Bennett, Co Director, Empower America, Former Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy In 1979 I received a phone call from Ross Perot. We had become friends shortly after my repatriation from a North Vietnamese POW camp in February 1973. We had talked of my desire to work with American youth once my Air Force career had ended. As a result of that phone call I organized and directed the Texans' War on Drugs for about eight years. One of the first names brought to my attention was Dr. Robert DuPont, the most prominent person in the national effort to curb the use of illicit drugs director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. He was of inestimable assistance to our prevention organization T.W.O.D. His knowledge, gained through many years of experience, has culminated in this remarkable book, The Selfish Brain: Learning From Addiction. For anyone interested in the shadowy and violent world of illicit drugs and the effects on our children, our homes, our businesses, and our society, Dr. DuPont's book is a must. B/Gen Robinson Risner USAF (Ret), Organizer and First Director Texans' War on Drugs This is the first book that I've read -- and I read every one I get my hands on -- that deals with the whole problem of addiction from a historical, cross-cultural, and scientific point of view. It's the first time where the myths of drug use are attacked openly and clearly. The Selfish Brain is a great title, but Dr. DuPont could almost call his book The Myths of Drug Use and Abuse or The History of Addiction, because of the many misconceptions about drugs and their effects with which we must all deal. This book can be used as a tremendous resource for students. Dr. DuPont takes the time to provide all the evidence to support his thesis; furthermore, he analyzes that evidence to make it understandable to the reader." Michael K. Mulligan, Headmaster, Thacher School, Ojai, California The Selfish Brain gives the most comprehensive treatment of chemical dependency I have seen in the last 10 years. It is an essential book for any professional as we approach the year 2000. Dr. DuPont provides us with an interesting narrative of this controversial subject and a thought-provoking, well-researched, detailed, systematic analysis." Dan Buie, CAE, President, Texans' War on Drugs I found Dr. DuPont's new book intriguing and challenging. As in his previous writings, he successfully draws the reader in. I highly recommend The Selfish Brain. John T. Schwarzlose, President, Betty Ford Center at Eisenhower The Selfish Brain is the masterpiece of one of our nation's leaders in addiction medicine. Bob DuPont makes it crystal clear why he is considered to be a masterful psychiatrist, a level-headed national drug policy analyst, and a dedicated foot soldier in the war on drugs. DuPont can describe the turmoil of the addict, the forces in society, the moral and ethical abyss, the steps in recovery and the neurobiology of drug-seeking in the same sentence with a unique and compelling clarity of style. Rather than a simple follow-up to the ground-breaking Gateway Drugs, Dr. DuPont has put together the definitive text which nimbly takes us from the neuron to 12-step recovery meetings and back again. Thank you, Bob DuPont, for spending so much time thinking and writing this book that we can just sit back, read, and benefit from it all. This book is written with such humility and grace that you hardly notice how effortlessly he writes, how an addictive conundrum becomes just another problem waiting for the master's solution. DuPont's simplicity of language and wide range of superb analytical skills may even help you temporarily lose sight of his remarkable ability to add something important to everyone's vision. This important book on the process and treatment of addiction is an absolute must read for the student or the clinician but also for those with loved ones who are using drugs. It is so refreshing to see a major book actually turn out to be just that major! From an expert with years of experience from the lab to the White House and to the psychiatrist's office. Everyone will find something remarkable, some great insight in accessible terms in The Selfish Brain. Congratulations!" Mark S. Gold, M.D., Founder, National Cocaine Hotline I liked the tone, approach, and style. I liked the organization and the quick-read approach. This book will be of enduring help to professionals as well as to recovering people. It will further the debate on how society can seriously address the issue of addiction. The book is particularly adept at calling out the fact that we have not -- to date -- accepted addiction as a problem and therefore are not fully embracing any possible solutions. This book makes that failure clear and offers suggestions to turn it into an opportunity of great value." John Small, Vice President/Publishing, Parkside Publishing Corporation The Selfish Brain clearly articulates issues that I have known and felt but never put into words. What a service for today's parents! This book explains addiction in a clear, easy-to-read manner, consistently supporting the basic role of the family." Jean B. Newberry, Board of Directors, National Federation of Parents DuPont's writing conveys 'I know a lot about this, and have given it a lot of thought. Here are some ideas I would like you to think about, too.' Reading The Selfish Brain is like listening to him in personal conversations about problems that touch us all. DuPont's authority is second to none, and his conversational writing style makes even the technical parts of The Selfish Brain accessible to any interested reader. The presentation of the factors contributing to 'drug problems' is the best I have read, and the proposal of steps society must take to solve those problems is compelling. Many readers may be troubled by some of his bold suggestions -- for example, implementing drug testing in schools -- but DuPont's reasoning is clear and persuasive. Harry A. Tiemann, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Mesa State College, Grand Junction, Colorado This book is an erudite and readable biography of the field of addiction written by an international leader for a wide audience. The author is a researcher and clinician who relives his outstanding career from Harvard Medical School to his present work with addicts.This book is exhaustive and unique as a brilliant blend of science and clinical artistry. I am confident no other work of its kind exists or will in the foreseeable future. It offers glossaries, illustrations, and case histories that form the building blocks of an exciting and worthwhile literary experience. The author's practical appeal is to help all who either have, are affected by, or treat an addictive illness. The author inescapable shares with us his love for scholarly learning and enthusiasm for his dedication to his patients.The book represents a legacy of his academic roots at Harvard and of the charisma of his commitment to the humanitarian inspirations from John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Norman S. Miller, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, The University of Illinois at Chicago This book is a real contribution to the field. Dr. DuPont takes a bold, sometimes controversial, and consistently comprehensive approach in explaining addictions. In reading this book, one is challenged to take action in small and big ways. He offers ideas and suggestions, from individual commitment to societal action, to change the way we view alcohol and other drug use in society. This is a magnificent combination, rarely seen, of scholaly detail and personal compassion. Patricia Owen, Ph.D., M.H.A., Hazelden, Center City, Minnesota This book represents another work by Dr. DuPont on the 'cutting edge' of recovery for addicts and alcoholics. We who are recovering addicts/alcoholics in Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous applaud this work. This is a must read for anyone who seeks to understand the very nature of the addict. The 12-step fellowships have an author who is 'on target' concerning addiction and alcoholism. Stephen W. Ringer, M.S.W., C.A.P. The Selfish Brain is much more than advice; it gives a broad perspective on drug use that cuts through sloganeering and magical thinking. The reader comes to understand why drugs have been tolerated but are now being rejected. The practical knowledge Dr. DuPont provides will be a welcome gift to anyone concerned about drug abuse. David F. Musto, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and of the History of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine The Selfish Brain is one of the best books I've ever read about drugs. It is very straightforward, written without compromise and compassionate, but with deep humanity and care for people wasting their lives with drugs. It is very useful for... parents, teachers, and people working with dependents. Nicolas Lerch, M.D., Association for the Advancement of Psychological Understanding of Human Nature (VPM), Zurich, Switzerland I have always wished I could be the public speaker that Bob DuPont is and envied his ability to verbalize so clearly his well thought out ideas. This talent with words and his vast experience in the field have been combined to produce a valuable resource for everyone interested in the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. Donald Ian Macdonald, M.D., Chairman and CEO, Employee Health Programs, Bethesda, Maryland, Former Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse Dr. DuPont's book has opened the door for everyone to have a better understanding of the brain and addiction. His emphasis on honesty as an antidote for addiction is excellent. Otto Moulton, Committees of Correspondence and Drug Watch, Danvers, Massachusetts Bob DuPont has written yet another landmark book on the subject of drug abuse prevention. He is an expert with the courage to think independently. Every parent, teacher, and business leader should read this book. William F. Current, Former Executive Director, American Council for Drug Education Dr. DuPont's outstanding book, The Selfish Brain, is a major contribution to society's understanding of the addiction problem. His book covers all aspects of chemical dependency, from neurochemical impairment to brain recovery. I was particularly impressed with the section on the 12-step fellowship and the quiet revolution of recovery which is sweeping our nation. David E. Smith, M.D., Founder and Medical Director, Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinics, President-Elect, American Society of Addiction Medicine Sane, balanced, eminently readable: Bob DuPont combines personal honesty, intelligent compassion, and profound insight to offer his readers wisdom as well as knowledge on an important but often too glibly misunderstood topic. This important book will help clear up many confusions even as it deepens its readers' insight and compassion. Ernest Kurtz, Ph.D., Co-Author, The Spirituality of Imperfection, Author, Not God: A History of Alcoholics Anonymous and other books

The book takes a comprehensive, no-holds-barred look at the easy path to drug addiction and the tough road to recovery. This book can help people confront addiction in their own lives and in their families by exploring the biological roots of addiction and the way addicts are allowed to deny their addiction.

In this country, drug addiction and alcoholism have reached crisis proportions. The grim statistics illuminate the size of this crisis. More than 30 million Americans alive today will become addicted. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs causes one out of every four deaths in the United States. Illegal drug use now costs the nation $67 billion a year.

The Selfish Brain: Learning From Addiction takes a comprehensive, no-holds-barred look at the easy path to drug addiction and the tough road to recovery. Written in an easy-to-understand style, this book can help people confront addiction in their own lives and in their families by exploring the biological roots of addiction and the way addicts are allowed to deny their addiction by compassionate, well-meaning people. Based on his experience as a specialist on addiction and as a policymaker, former drug czar Robert L. DuPont, M.D., advocates "tough-love" measures to strip away the denial that allows addicts to remain trapped in their destructive habit and place them on the road to recovery. He examines treatment options, especially 12-step programs, which he believes are the most effective path to recovery. Powerful and often controversial, The Selfish Brain provides an honest examination of an insidious, destructive disease.