This volume investigates the limitations of biological reductionism in addiction research by advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates historical and cultural contexts. Editors Craig Reinarman and Robert Granfield, both established scholars in sociology and addiction studies, curate a collection of essays that challenge the prevailing disease model. By synthesizing foundational texts with contemporary critical analysis, the authors argue that addiction must be understood as a social construct rather than a purely physiological phenomenon.

Experts and educators frequently identify this anthology as a foundational resource for academic courses in sociology and mental health. Readers note that the text provides a necessary counter-narrative to strictly empirical models, making it an essential reference for students and practitioners seeking a broader understanding of addiction.