1 This is a preprint version of an article: Oksanen, Atte (2013) Addiction and Rehabilitation in Autobiographical Books by Rock Artists, 1974– 2010. Drug & Alcohol Review 32: 1, 53–59. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1465-3362.2012.00474.x/abstract Addiction and Rehabilitation in Autobiographical Books by Rock Artists, 1974–2010 Atte Oksanen, Dr. Soc. Sci. Senior Researcher, Finnish Youth Research Society Adjunct Professor of Social Psychology, University of Tampere, Finland Adjunct Professor of Sociology, University of Turku, Finland Adjunct Professor of Sociology, University of Helsinki, Finland Atte.oksanen@utu.fi Atte.oksanen@uta.fi Abstract Introduction and aims: This paper explores excessive appetites, addiction and rehabilitation as described in the autobiographies, memoirs and diaries of famous rock artists. Design and methods: The data collection focused on autobiographical rock books (i.e. autobiographies, memoirs and diaries) written in English by internationally recognized rock artists before 2011. In total, 96 autobiographical books by rock artists were published between 1974 and 2010. The mean age of the authors was 50 and 17% of the books were by female authors. Data were encoded for 1) addiction, 2) the object of addiction, 3) personal addiction, 4) rehabilitation, 5) personal rehabilitation and 6) the type of recovery from the addiction. Results: Of the books, 82% described addiction, 62% personal addiction, 57% rehabilitation and 40% personal participation in rehabilitation. The most commonly represented addictions were alcoholism, opiate addiction and cocaine addiction. Addicted rock stars described addictions differently from non-addicts. Of addicted rock artists, 51% recovered with the help of rehabilitation, 42% self-recovered and 7% continued the excess. The results showed that there has been an increase in the prevalence of addiction in autobiographical rock books over time. In addition, it was found that gender affected the type of recovery. Discussion and conclusions: Autobiographical books by rock artists have been published in increasing numbers in the last two decades. The artists in question have described their personal experiences of addiction and rehabilitation and discussed the problems related to alcohol, drugs and excessive behaviour. The books do not glamorize addiction or excessive lifestyles. Rather, they indicate that attitudes towards drugs and alcohol are changing in the rock business. Keywords: addiction, excessive appetites, treatment, rock music, popular culture