Drop: How the Most Addictive Sport Can Help Us Understand Addiction and Recovery

Award-winning author Thad Ziolkowski explores the connection between waves, addiction, and recovery in his book, On a Wave. He argues that surfing can teach us about the powerful undertow of addictive behaviors and the ways to swim free of them, and that other activities can also lead to addiction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In this groundbreaking and thought-provoking book, the acclaimed author of the acclaimed surf memoir "On a Wave" delves into the profound connection between waves, addiction, and recovery, shedding light on what surfing can teach us about the powerful undertow of addictive behaviors and the pathways to liberation from them. Addiction, a pervasive aspect of modern life, encompasses a wide range of activities, from sex and gambling to exercise and shopping, and even Internet use. It's alarming to note that drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of fifty-five. However, it's important to recognize that addiction manifests in different ways. In certain instances, the very activities that can lead to addiction can also serve as a means of escape. Recent discoveries by neurologists have revealed that surfing offers a unique perspective on the mechanisms of addiction, delivering dopamine to the pleasure center of the brain and creating a feedback loop that reshapes priorities and desires. Thad Ziolkowski, a lifelong surfer, intimately understands this dynamic. Having been surrounded by addiction since his childhood, he has embarked on a remarkable journey to unravel the myth of surfing as a purely wholesome lifestyle immune to the darker temptations of society. In this unique blend of addiction memoir, sociological study, spiritual odyssey, and personal exploration, Ziolkowski dismantles the facade and reveals the hidden truths behind surfing and addiction. Through his own story, combined with insights from scientists, progressive thinkers, and the experiences of top surfers and addicts from around the world, Ziolkowski showcases how getting on a board and catching a wave is a transformative and deeply instructive process for riding out of the darkness and back into the light. While surfing is Ziolkowski's personal salvation, its lessons extend beyond the realm of surfing and can be applied to other activities that can liberate us from addiction. By understanding the principles of surfing and applying them to our lives, we can cultivate a sense of mindfulness, discipline, and self-awareness, which are essential tools in the fight against addiction. In conclusion, this revelatory and original book offers a profound exploration of the intersection between waves, addiction, and recovery. By delving into the mechanisms of addiction, shedding light on the potential for escape, and providing practical insights for overcoming addiction, it empowers readers to embrace a new perspective on their lives and embark on a journey of healing and liberation.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 160 x 239 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062965936