Addiction in Society

Addiction--the thematic malady for our society--entails every type of psychological and societal problem.

Stanton Peele, Ph.D., J.D., has been researching and treating addiction since he wrote Love and Addiction (1975). He also wrote 7 Tools to Beat Addiction. See full bio

July 9, 2009, Relationships

Comments on "Michael Jackson's Memorial: Love is for the living"

Michael Jackson's Memorial: Love is for the living

By Stanton Peele on July 9, 2009 in Addiction in Society

So many people professed their love for Michael Jackson at his memorial service (including one of his children), so many people claimed to care about him, it's surprising he seemed so alone. One of the most affecting tributes at the ceremony was from old friend Brooke Shields who, tearfully, gestured to the heavens where Jackson was undoubtedly looking down on this outpouring of love towards him. Afterwards, Shields told reporters she had last seen Jackson in 1991. As for his daughter Paris' moving expression of love - it should have been the best antidote to Jackson's drug addiction. Read More

Love is for the living

Submitted by novee on July 9, 2009 - 8:19am.

I agree on this. :)

love does not cure all

Submitted by anonymous on July 9, 2009 - 9:14pm.

An addict may love their child deeply, but "love" cannot compete with drug addiction. Addiction is not rational and having children cannot keep a person sober- though it may motivate them to get help. These types of assumptions are part of the reason why addicts are judged morally when they are clearly sick and need treatment.