In Place of the Self

In Place of the Self: How Drugs Work

As drug use rises, the challenge of drug dependency also increases. Some people view the use of recreational drugs such as ecstasy or cannabis as a personal choice, like smoking or drinking alcohol. There are pressures for decriminalising drugs, offering better prevention, health support and education.

In Place of the Self sheds important light on addiction, so that both individuals and professionals can make more informed choices. Drawing on extensive research with drug users and his rehabilitation work as a psychologist, he offers remarkable insights into:

• Why drugs, and the changed states they induce, are so attractive to users
• The origin and history of drugs and society
• The profound effects of drugs on human consciousness
• Personal stories by users, and detailed descriptions of the physical, psychological and spiritual effects of each drug
• How drugs can undermine personal identity, at a time when more and more people are open to spiritual experiences

About the Author

Dr Ron Dunselman helped pioneer ARTA, a leading Dutch therapeutic community that helps people overcome drug dependency using a holistic anthroposophic approach. His book In Place of the Self was written in dialogue with former addicts, therapists and doctors.