Being the father of a drug addict and having been frustrated for years with repeated relapses after high cost, residential treatment programs, I found this the best discussion of addiction and recovery in the library full that I've read. Like most, I had believed that once through a residential program and generally free of the drugs, life should be back to normal and it was only will power necessary to remain on the straight and narrow. This excellent discussion points to a far different world for the addict. Far from providing recovery, the residential program provides just a platform from which to launch recovery. The recovery itself requires parents and friends to understand the altered nature of the brain, the behavioral challenges the addict faces on a day to day basis, and the limited capacity the addict can face to deal logically with "normal" situations. For those committed to the idea of human free will, this book will be a challenge. They will find that belief to be a major hinderance to dealing with an addicted loved one. Imposing the expectations arising from the belief that the addict has full free will to change can be a catalyst to failure. For those more willing to accept that brain chemistry has at least a domineering, if not commanding role in directing the addicts thoughts, responses, and mental capabilities this is an excellent discussion leading to understanding the addict's post treatment behaviors. The understandings arising from reading the book have made sense of many frustrating behaviors and allowed a more positive and supportive response.It also gives better hope that the deficiencies can be overcome in time.I am certainly no happier to have my daughter plagued with addiction, nor with the pace of her gaining workable mastery of the addiction and its effects. But, it is a different frustration. The discussion in the book gave me a new perspective that allows greater appreciation for progress and less room for disappointment in the individual.Like most books dealing with a subject with a constantly changing knowledge base, this is not the definitive bible--it is not the total answer. It is a much needed broadening of the discussion of addiction and the addicted mind.