For the majority of recorded history, including for a very long time before the development of modern science and medicine, humans have battled to describe, treat, and regulate addictive behaviour. The Urge is a complex, comprehensive history that explores not only medicine and science but also literature, religion, philosophy, and sociology, shedding light on how much the story of addiction has consistently reflected larger themes of what it means to be human and show concern for others. Fisher exposes us to the various individuals who have attempted to address this complex problem over the years, including doctors, legislators, activists, artists, academics, and writers, as well as the countless individuals who have battled their own addictions. He also looks at the procedures and methods that have given people comfort and hope. The Urge is at once an eye-opening history of ideas, a riveting personal story of addiction and recovery, and a clinician?s urgent call for a more expansive, nuanced, and compassionate view of one of society?s most intractable challenges.