Addiction is a complex problem, with social, psychological, and biological underpinnings. The scope of the problem is at epidemic proportions. Thanks to decades of scientific research, we are better equipped than ever to comprehend the causes, complications, and effective social and medical treatments for addiction.

Navigating the physical, medical, emotional, and social aspects of addiction can be overwhelming to patients, families, and even treatment providers. Many publications deal with this topic; however, most are thin pamphlets or thick scientific treatises. This short book concisely and clearly answers the questions that students, patients, and their loved ones ask: What is an addiction? Why do we care about it? Why do some people get addicted and others do not? What do we do about addiction? This book is medically minded but accessible to all readers, and it will answer these questions and more.