Zukav argues that anyone experiencing addiction must first recognize that they have one. The personality resists this recognition, as it wants to dismiss the addiction or consider it a small problem. Addictions always revolve around both fear and attraction. While they cannot be satiated, they may lay dormant. For instance, someone addicted to sex may pretend to be satisfied with their monogamous relationship but secretly face constant temptation and discontent. When tempted, people with addictions should remind themselves of the drawbacks, risks, and harm to others if they allow their addiction to continue.

Zukav believes that people’s temptations will threaten what is most precious to them, as the universe wants to motivate their soul to make the right choice and therefore evolve spiritually. He teaches the reader that the only way to create a different life is to make responsible choices. If some part of a person wants their addiction to persist, it will, but maintaining a clear intention and examining their inadequacies will allow them to overcome it. Continuing down a path of addiction means facing the negative karma and the fear and doubt that addiction generates in one’s life. Zukav concludes by restating that healing is the work of evolution and that everyone is born to do this work.

Zukav’s recommendations on addiction are somewhat similar to those of many addiction experts, as he emphasizes recognizing the problem and acknowledging the risks and harm of the addictive behavior. At the same time, Zukav’s framing of addiction as a question of willpower or even morality reflects the era in which the book was published. While the 1980s saw the emergence of disease- and behavior-based models for addiction, this coincided with the “War on Drugs” and “Just Say No” campaigns, which stoked moral panic and subjected people using drugs to harsh criminal penalties.

Chapter Lessons

• People with addiction must recognize their problem.
• Maintaining a clear intention and determined belief is essential in overcoming addiction.
• Consider the risks, drawbacks, and hurt of continuing addictive behavior.

Reflection Questions

• Do you agree with Zukav’s assessment of addiction?
• According to the author, people will not overcome addiction until they confront their inadequacies. What do you think he means by this? How might this help?
• Have you ever felt that life, the universe, God, etc. was trying to teach you something by targeting what you especially value? How did you react?