Not a 'habit'
As someone involved with the area of substance use disorders for 40 years, I was pleased to read the excellent article on pharmacological research involving addictions (“A Pill to Treat Addiction”) in the September Monitor. That said, the article did fall into the common trap of labeling a substance use disorder as a habit.
A habit, such as putting the right shoe on first, is not a condition found in the DSM-5. John Kelly, PhD, of Harvard has published articles on the importance of word usage when referring to addictions or persons suffering from substance use disorders. The persistent use of the word “habit” instead of the correct word or words for actual diagnostic conditions trivializes those conditions and does a disservice to those suffering from said conditions. In short, the word “habit” should be avoided in an APA publication unless it refers to an actual habit.
Norman Hoffmann, PhD
Western Carolina University
APA podcast praise
I just finished another episode of Speaking of Psychology (#75 “How to Find Meaning in Life”). Really enjoyed it, as I have episodes #83, #86, #90, #92, and the bonus episode on “Fake News.” I am going to listen to episode #84 next (on what psychologists can do to address the opioid crisis). I have been a podcast listener, as well as podcaster (on the fun subject of Star Wars), but I’ve just gotten into SOP and it is so good. Thanks for all you do with SOP and I’ll be listening.
David L. Modders, PhD
Belleview, Florida
Our favorite tweets
Re: “Games With Impact” (September) @steveslota Thrilled to be quoted alongside some other fantastic #gbl scientists and designers in the latest issue of @APA_Monitor on Psychology! A great summary of the latest research on #designthinking #edtech #STEM #games & more!
Re: In Brief (September) @Dr_Cam_Psych Catching up on the In Brief sections of the @APA_Monitor. Always helpful to get a glance at what’s happening outside of my special interests!