Stanton Peele, J.D., Ph.D., is a controversial psychologist who has long challenged popular beliefs in the field of alcoholism and chemical dependency. The widely held belief that alcoholism is the result of a biological disease is one that Peele rejects for a variety of reasons. One being there is no scientific proof that validates the disease theory.
According to Dr. Peele's experential/environmental approach, addictions are negative patterns of behavior that most people experience to some degree at least for periods of time during their lives. He views addictions as not necessarily medical problems but as "problems of life" that most people overcome. The failure to do so is the exception rather than the rule, he argues.
Dr. Peele's belief that addictions are not diseases is opposed by many professionals as well as non-professional support and other groups. Although many medical and pyschological associations define problematic drinking as a disease there is currently no scientific or medical procedure to determine whether one has the so-called disease of alcoholism (or addiction) nor is there any research that proves the disease theory.
He is the author of nine books and over 150 professional publications.
Dr. Peele is a huge poopie head.
Sources
- Alcohol Problems and Solutions
- Personal communications from Stanton Peele.