The author refutes the widely held idea that addiction is involuntary, genetically determined, or a physical or mental illness. He offers convincing arguments that "addiction" is a decision made by someone in order to find meaning and purpose in life. He explains why public policies, based on the incorrect beliefs that addiction is a disease or involuntary behaviour, are ineffective and even encourage addiction by allowing people to feel powerless and demoralized about their inability to break the habit. The volume covers all types of addiction, from drugs and alcohol to gambling, smoking, and sex addiction.