In this absorbing and original book, Anna Westin explores the contested human experience of addiction through a dialogue between Lévinas, Kierkegaard and the Twelve Step program. Her account offers rich food for thought, showing how it is possible to speak of love, freedom and hope even in the context of addiction.

Neil Messer, Professor of Theology, University of Winchester, UK

This is a highly interesting book. It provides enthralling reflections on an intensely debated matter – addiction – by examining the addictive experience through the lens of an existential phenomenology of freedom, relation and hope. Through careful readings of Kierkegaard and Lévinas, Anna Westin explores new ways of engaging with the lived experience of the ‘addicted’ subject. Impressive and thought-provoking. A conscientious examination of the conditions of possibility for an existential phenomenology of freedom, relation and hope.

Michael Azar, Professor, Department of Literature, History of Ideas and Religion. University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Westin’s much-needed exploration of the addiction experience is a thoughtful, honest, and penetrating analysis that warrants attentive reading even by those untouched by addiction or outside the therapeutic arena.

Journal of Phenomenological Psychology