I had heard this book recommended numerous times in articles and podcasts, so decided to see for myself.

I'm not sure it quite delivered what I was expecting, but it was an interesting read. The author relies heavily on case studies to illustrate the points she is making, while also referencing a number of studies and experiments (some of which will make you cringe in discomfort). It did provide some insight into the reasons why humans can become so hooked on our "drug" of choice, whether that is alcohol, drugs, sex, social media, etc. She also proposes her own list of "lessons" to take away from the book, which she summarizes at the conclusion.

I believe some of the negative reviews on here possibly arose from that list of lessons, which can come across as moralizing or judgemental. Everyone has their own feelings about psychiatric medications, the 12-step programs and organized religion. The expectation is that in a non-fiction book about neuroscience, there shouldn't be such a quasi-religious interpretation of the solutions. However the summary does state that the book combines "the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery" so that is the perspective the author is coming from. It doesn't particularly bother me, although I take it with a grain of salt.