Alternative approaches of addiction and dominant scientific perspectives

The initiatives of the directly involved citizens like self help groups or organizations, throughout the years, have contributed decisively to the interpretation of the phenomenon of addiction and to the production of successful intervention paradigms. The dynamics of these approaches, their influence on the creation of successful alternative professional approaches and to behavioral sciences in general are discussed in this presentation. Additionally the influence the mainstream nosological approaches have on these alternative approaches nowadays are presented, along with the emerging danger of abolishment of their innovative characteristics.