Dr. Anna Lembke, the book’s first-person narrator, is a renowned addiction specialist and a professor of Psychiatry and Addiction at Stanford University School of Medicine. In addition to her professorship, Lembke is a practicing clinical psychiatrist. Despite these impressive credentials, Lembke humanizes her narrative and, as she presents her case in the book, understands that her wisdom and knowledge on the subject of addiction don’t make her impervious to the kinds of behaviors that lead to misuse. While the book focuses primarily on the scientific explanations of why addiction happens and how people can successfully break its hold, Lembke weaves personal anecdotes into the text, and these personal stories and reflections make her relatable, giving her messages greater resonance.

Lembke infuses her clinical experience into the book. She introduces many patients, sharing their stories of misuse and recovery, and occasionally includes dialogue that helps bring the stories to life. The dialogue and, particularly, Lembke’s reflections of her sessions with these patients show that she’s a compassionate listener. Her tone is objective and scientific yet compassionate and not devoid of emotion. Lembke’s concern for her patients is evident through the dialogue and reflections.