Marc Lewis posits that addiction is not a disease but a learning process where the brain adapts to seek pleasure and relief. This perspective shifts the focus from treating addiction as a chronic illness to understanding it as a maladaptive behavior that can be unlearned.

The book features the true stories of five individuals who have battled addiction. These narratives provide a human face to the scientific concepts discussed, illustrating the resilience and capacity for change inherent in everyone. Their journeys highlight the potential for recovery without relying solely on the disease model.

Lewis critiques the prevailing disease model of addiction, arguing that it can be an obstacle to recovery. He suggests that viewing addiction as a disease can lead to a sense of helplessness and dependency on treatment programs. Instead, he advocates for approaches that empower individuals to take control of their recovery through understanding and altering their behavior.