The Age of Addiction: How Bad Habits Became Big Business

In 'The Age of Addiction: How Bad Habits Became Big Business', David T. Courtwright chronicles the evolution of addictive behaviors and the industries that exploit them.

The book delves into the history of human pursuit of pleasure, vice, and addiction, highlighting how industrialization, global trade, and technological advancements have created a system of 'limbic capitalism' that encourages excessive consumption.

Courtwright argues that this system, supported by multinational industries, complicit governments, and criminal organizations, has led to a widespread culture of addiction affecting various aspects of modern life, including food, social media, gambling, and substance use.