Chasing the Scream

By: Johann Hari

Narrated by: Johann Hari

Bloomsbury presents Chasing the Scream written and read by Johann Hari.

Revised and Updated

The New York Times Bestseller

What if everything you think you know about addiction is wrong? Johann Hari’s journey into the heart of the war on drugs led him to ask this question—and to write the book that gave rise to his viral TED talk, viewed more than 62 million times, and inspired the feature film The United States vs. Billie Holiday and the documentary series The Fix.

One of Johann Hari’s earliest memories is of trying to wake up one of his relatives and not being able to. As he grew older, he realized he had addiction in his family. Confused, not knowing what to do, he set out and traveled over 30,000 miles over three years to discover what really causes addiction—and what really solves it.

He uncovered a range of remarkable human stories—of how the war on drugs began with Billie Holiday, the great jazz singer, being stalked and killed by a racist policeman; of the scientist who discovered the surprising key to addiction; and of the countries that ended their own war on drugs—with extraordinary results.

Chasing the Scream is the story of a life-changing journey that transformed the addiction debate internationally—and showed the world that the opposite of addiction is connection.©2023 Johann Hari (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Compelling Read

The author lays out a very compelling argument for the decriminalization of drugs and explains at length the history on the failed “war on drugs.” As someone who lives in an area fraught with heroin addiction, I found this perspective to be compassionate, research-based and logical. I’d strongly recommend it to anyone who has a friend or family member suffering from addiction or anyone interested in the broader topic of addiction, as it helps to shift the traditional perspective (at least in America) that using drugs is a criminal act and instead looks at it as a disease/medical issue that should be treated through a comprehensive program focused on social, emotional and physical well-being.

A very thorough researched book explaining a very complex social problem.

Authors writes about how drugs addiction can affect anyone regardless of their socioeconomic background. Very informative & interesting. Keeps the story very moving & heartwarming.

Should be required reading for anyone who participates in democracy.

The history of how the drug war starts is key to understanding and that the results that we see today are a feature, not a bug. This book also challenged my preconceptions of how addiction occurs and how best the treat it.

Beyond relevant

I see the terror of addiction daily in both my personal and professional life. This, in my opinion, is a must read - we are viewing treatment and dealing with our addicted loved ones all wrong

Incredible

Please read this book If you have any interest in addiction and the drug war.

Riveting and humanizing history about the war on drugs

This book humanizes addicts while focusing on the systems that have failed them. If you are a compassionate person that cares about the failing war on drugs then this book is for you!

Thank you

I’m so happy to have your voice depicting these stories. They make so much more sense.

Thank you x 100

We have so much to learn

This is a great read with lots of information on the drug war and how far off course we are in attending and saving the addicted person.

Enlightening

This book provided so much insight and really challenged me to examine my biases. I am forever changed for the better having absorbed this information! I intend to be a change agent against the war on drugs! Humans deserve connection, compassion and love - nothing less!

Simply A Must

This book is an absolute must read for anyone who has been touched by addiction…which is all of us. Hari articulates a bulletproof argument for the end of the war on drugs while offering research backed solutions that will help reshape our societies, cities, homes, and hearts. Through a thorough retelling of the history of the war on drugs, readers are invited into a deeper understanding of its fatal errors that have in reality only deepened the roots of addiction itself. Fascinating and jaw dropping. Terrifying and tender. As someone who has been deeply impacted by drugs, addiction, and mental health, my only wish for this book is that we all might find sooner than later