I must say I am skeptical and I hope to read the book but perhaps someone can give me an idea of what is being discussed. What are the main claims being made by Mr Vale, what credentials or evidence is used to back up the claims? Is this a book about Alcohol and Drugs or about addiction? I would agree the history and human relationship with alcohol is interesting and worth studying but I am not so sure if the Social acceptance of drinking and drinking cultures are the direct cause of addiction.