This text investigates the complex interplay between pharmacological properties, individual biological characteristics, and social environments in the context of drug use and misuse. Stephen A. Maisto utilizes an interdisciplinary framework to synthesize data from psychology, history, biology, and medicine. The primary argument posits that the effects of any substance are contingent upon the specific interaction between the drug's chemical composition and the user's unique physiological and psychological state.

Experts and educators frequently identify this text as a foundational resource for undergraduate courses in psychology and public health. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which effectively balances complex pharmacological data with accessible sociological analysis.