The author defines addiction to include physical and psychological dependence on a substance and the development of tolerance. Although there is considerable debate on the addictive properties of some substances, the author notes that opiates are clearly addictive. He looks at reasons why people use drugs, drug availability, the approval of drug use by society and peers, and drug control efforts. He also examines the prescription of opiates by doctors in the 19th Century, social and medical concerns associated with drug use, therapeutic and addictive properties of drugs, drug effects, drug treatment, drug regulation, and trends in drug consumption levels. The author attempts to offer accurate and meaningful generalizations about drug use and abuse and discusses socioeconomic factors in the history of drugs in the United States. Notes and photographs