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Author: Knowles, Charles
Drug & substance abuse: social aspects
Published on 8 January 2026 by PAN MACMILLAN (Macmillan) in the United Kingdom.
Hardback | 304 pages
240 x 163 x 31 | 502g
‘Compelling and fascinating . . . A must-read’ – Andrew Jenkinson, Sunday Times bestselling author of Why We Eat (Too Much)The revolutionary book that will change how you think about drinking forever – whether you're tackling Dry January or looking for a permanent shift.
We drink to celebrate, to de-stress and to fit in. We barely question it – until we wake up with that vague sense of dread and ask, 'Why me?' If you are a perfectly rational person in all other areas of your life, but find that one glass of wine consistently turns into two bottles, it isn't a moral failing or a lack of character. It's biology.
In Why We Drink Too Much, leading surgeon and clinical researcher Dr Charles Knowles combines jaw-dropping science with his own harrowing journey as a recovering alcoholic to reveal what is really happening in our brains. With sharp wit and professional rigour, he unpacks:The Reward System: Why alcohol hijacks our survival instincts and overrides our ability to choose.
The ‘Drinking Champion’ Phenotype: Why some of us are genetically primed to feel more reward from every sip.
A 12-Principle Blueprint: A science-backed guide to reclaiming your choice and moving toward long-term neutrality or sobriety.
Whether you are ‘sober curious,’ a ‘grey area’ drinker, or someone who has visited the edge and didn’t like the view, Dr Knowles offers a smart, accessible guide to reclaiming your choice.
'Illuminating, fascinating and beautifully written. If you’ve ever had an issue with drink and asked yourself ‘why me?’ then this book is for you' – Clare Pooley, bestselling author of The Sober Diaries
