In his book, "What Is It Like to Be an Addict?", Owen Flanagan, a philosopher and recovering addict, explores the complexities of addiction, arguing that individuals maintain a degree of freedom in overcoming it. Drawing from his experiences and the philosophy of Sartre, Flanagan asserts that while addicts face impaired control, they are still capable of making choices to change their lives. He advocates against shaming addicts, suggesting that self-directed shame can serve as a motivator for recovery, rather than a hindrance.
To be sure, addicts typically suffer impaired control. But substance misuse doesn't involve tropisms and reflexes. The addict believes, and believes correctly, that there are ways, often requiring help and support, to regain and leverage the power of self-control, and to act and be different in the future than they are now.
Shaming the addict would be cruel and unlikely to work. Self-directed shame about a part of oneself can be beneficial as a powerful motivator.
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