Conceptual crises and the addictions: a philosophy of science perspective

This article examines the field of addictions and suggests that it is in the midst of a conceptual crisis. As a result of its immaturity, the addiction's field evidences energy, naivete, curiosity, intensely conflicting and polarized explanations of its identity and purpose, anomalous research findings, and few "facts." From a philosophy of science perspective, these characteristics are considered as indicators of the developmental stages that are associated with the evolution of scientific disciplines. A philosophy of science perspective is applied to the history of the substance abuse field and the consequent implications examined. A discussion of normal science, language, the role of paradigms, and scientific reductionism is included.