This text investigates the complex intersection of individual substance use disorders and the broader social, biological, and psychological systems that influence addiction. Authors C. Aaron McNeece and Diana DiNitto, both established scholars in social work and public policy, utilize a systems-based framework to analyze how environmental factors, family dynamics, and institutional policies contribute to the development and treatment of chemical dependency. The book moves beyond a strictly clinical focus to provide a comprehensive overview of how various societal structures interact with the individual experience of addiction.

This work is regarded as a foundational academic resource for students and practitioners in social work and human services. Its systematic approach provides a structured, clinical perspective that remains highly relevant for understanding the multifaceted nature of chemical dependency in a modern context.