The twelve-step program has proved to be a fully effective treatment for alcoholism and other addictions. Segal shows how the program can bring relief from stress, anxiety and discontent in non-addicts too. As a first-rate philosopher and cognitive scientist, he offers an incisive science-based account of the psychological causes of restlessness, irritability and discontent and explains how the program works to overcome them.

As a practitioner of the steps, he provides clear, easy-to-follow but thorough instructions for anyone, addict or not, wishing to do them. Written four years...