This article critiques the medical model of addiction by examining the historical roots of this addiction model and its recent extension to excessive behaviors involving gambling, sex, shopping, overeating, and even murder. The view that addicts are victims of a disease is seen as scientifically flawed and as counterproductive with respect to prevention and treatment. Alternative models of "excessive behavior" are suggested that are consistent with the empirical data on addiction and that are less destructive with respect to prevention and treatment. Policy implications of these alternative models are discussed.
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