Book Nook - The Mass Psychology of Addiction

 For more than 50 years, Dr. Brian Johnson has walked alongside countless individuals who have hit rock bottom, and he helped them reclaim their lives. One of the most trusted voices in the field of addiction recovery, Dr. Johnson understands the devastating impact addiction can have, not just on those who struggle with it but on their families and loved ones as well.

In his new book, The Mass Psychology of Addiction, he offers an in-depth examination of addiction's roots in both the individual psyche and broader societal structures. He draws connections between personal trauma, such as child abuse and neglect, to widespread substance abuse, and reveals how addiction is also a product of societal influences — including the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Johnson uses a unique combination of neuroscience, psychoanalysis and public health perspectives to explore the systemic factors that perpetuate addiction, offering actionable insights for both individuals and policymakers.

Woven throughout are compelling patient stories that support his insights, including a professor with alcoholism; a serial killer of 87 drug dealers who has alcohol, opioid, cocaine and methamphetamine addiction; and a repeatedly incarcerated man with multiple addictions.

Whether seeking to understand addiction better or find pathways toward recovery, The Mass Psychology of Addiction is for anyone impacted by addiction who wants to grow and escape addiction’s grasp.‍

“It’s not just about understanding addiction but also about transforming how we address it on a cultural and systemic level,” Dr. Johnson added. “The readers will appreciate the blend of real-life stories, professional expertise and a revolutionary perspective on tackling the addiction crisis.”

About the Author

Dr. Brian Johnson, MD, is Professor Emeritus at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He is a renowned expert in addiction psychiatry with a deeply personal and professional connection to the field. Growing up with parents who struggled with addiction, Dr. Johnson witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of substance abuse. His father succumbed to alcoholism, and in 2019, his brother's decomposing body was discovered after being overtaken by addiction. These life experiences have fueled Dr. Johnson's determination to understand and combat addiction.

He has degrees from Columbia School of Engineering and New York Medical College and was on the faculty at Harvard Medical School for 28 years. After moving to the SUNY Upstate Medical University, he established what was at the time the world’s only neuropsychoanalytic addiction medicine service. As a Professor of Psychiatry and Anesthesia, Dr. Johnson has been a pioneer in integrating neuroscience with psychoanalysis to develop innovative treatments for addiction. For more information, please visit https://drbrianjohnson.org.