Introduction: Making a Case for Addiction in Africa

Abstract

This chapter introduces the book by making a case for addiction in Africa. It shows that there is no clear academic development of the concept of addiction in the Africa. Apparently, most of the studies have adopted the Western view and have attempted either to treat addicts as sick or correct their will power by attempting to make them ethical. Further to this, the chapter notes that there is no clear demarcation between the concept of addiction and abuse, in that most studies that claim addiction do actually investigate abuse. Because of these discrepancies in understanding addiction, the chapter makes a strong case for studying addiction on the African continent. The chapter concludes by introducing chapters in the book.