Since this book was published there has been a great deal of ground breaking scientific research in the addiction's field. Physical evidence, including MRI's etc. have shown that it is indeed a disease, a brain disease, a chronic, relapsing disease. It has become the largest cost to our health care in the US, and recognizing it as a disease simply removes the stigma and allows for associate health care solutions that would impact all of us. AA or not, whatever works for the individual-go for it. Do some research on what are ("evidence-based", not Peele's circular thinking) the most effective treatment approaches. Be a critical thinker and don't just jump on Peele's bandwagon. His only claim to fame is the regurgiation of the same ole same ole anti-disease model information. If he were not so unique and contrarian, he would be selling pencils outside Bloomingdales.