I consider this book a must-read for anybody involved in this instant-gratification society. I abused alcohol in my 20s to the point of 100 beers a week, plus booze. A few years ago I kicked it by myself - no books, no meetings, no AA. Doctors told me it would be impossible to do without AA. I could never walk into a bar again. Well I do go to bars - for association, occasional fried, greasy food, and to shoot darts. I drink Pepsi. I guess it's just easy for me. When I found and read this book I was astonished how I felt exactly as the author did. Maybe AA works for some people but I find it to be a cult I wish to have nothing to do with. I simply don't agree that people must admit being powerless over their addiction. Why hand your power over to intangible gobbledegook? Dodes is to be commended for his research and well-written prose that can be understood by anyone from 16-96.