Fragmented Intimacy

Peter Adams has a practice background in clinical psychology and an academic background in critical social theory. He is currently Director of Social and Community Health at the School of Population Health, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand. He has developed and taught in postgraduate programs on addictions for the past ten years. Ideas for the book evolved from his 25-year involvement in research, teaching, and clinical intervention involving different aspects of addiction.

• Theory.- Addiction in Perspective.- A Social World.- Addiction and Connecting.- Responding to Addiction.- Processes.- Becoming Intimate.- Intimacies in Addictive Contexts.- Intimacy and Power.- Families and Communities.- Fragmented Lives.- Collective Opportunities.- Reintegration.- Applications.- Family Resources.- Mobilizing Communities.- Applications to Practice.- Looking Ahead.

From the reviews: "Adams (population health, U. of Auckland) uses a social-ecological approach to address the needs of the addicted and those around them. He closely examines the ways addiction disrupts intimacy, leading to cycles of loss and isolation, and the means by which the addicted and those around them can re-engage. ... He provides a significant amount of material about applying these concepts directly to practice at the family and community level." (www.booknews.com, April, 2008) "Adams provides a refreshing, needed analysis that complements new scientific discoveries; he goes beyond biological and neuropsychological explanations to explore the reciprocal influences of social context and addiction. ... Adams's coverage is novel, and the book is more comprehensive than previous works have been. He offers a solid theory and integrates empirical support throughout his discussion. ... this volume can serve as a library resource, a textbook, or a clinical manual. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers, all levels." (M. Bonner, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (10), June, 2008)