The first two parts of the book present historical and scientific facts in a way that is accessible to the general reader. The historical part, brilliantly written, is filled with surprises. The scientific part aims to make chemical and neural features of drug actions in the brain understandable to non-scientific readers. The third part charts practices of recovery from addiction: transitioning from 12-step programs to Every Positive Step.The information provided is absolutely current, clear and addresses a cultural issue of supreme medical importance.