Addiction Reimagined: Challenging Views of an Enduring Social Problem

Leonard A. Steverson is an adjunct professor of sociology at Flagler College and associate professor emeritus of sociology at South Georgia State College in Douglas, Georgia. Prior to entering academia, he was a licensed family therapist and addiction counselor. He holds a BS and an MS in Sociology as well as a PhD in Human Services. He is the author of "Policing in America: A Reference Handbook" (ABC-CLIO, 2008) and "Madness Reimagined: Envisioning a Better System of Mental Health in America" (Vernon Press, 2018), and co-author of "Giants of Sociology" (Pearson, 2006) and "Debating Social Problems" (Routledge, 2018). Professor Steverson has also worked as a director of a mental health and substance abuse program for children and adolescents, as a correctional counselor, and as a probation officer. These experiences, along with a recent investigation into the current mental health system as an addictions counselor, left him with some concerns about the system in which he was once employed. This was the catalyst for the precursor for this work-"Madness Reimagined." "Addiction Reimagined," an extension of that work, specifically focuses on addiction and is intended to engage people in making sure the field of addiction is effective and efficient.