Writing in plain English, Lembke devotes much of her book to explaining how the brain processes pleasure and pain ... Authoritative, compassionate, and valuable, this book provides a fresh understanding of the many dangers of addiction in our 'hyper-medicated, overstimulated, pleasure-saturated world.'
Most readers will find it reasonable, and the author does not trumpet its success rate. Some of the most insightful passages involve lying, a malignant process in a cooperative society but essential to maintaining addictive behavior. Many people believe that honesty—unmasking our flaws—will drive people away, but it does the opposite. A good education on addiction, fascinating case histories, and a sensible formula for treatment.
