Drug addiction is defined as a syndrome characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior that impairs social and psychological functions or damages health. Confusion about the diagnosis and prognosis of drug addiction stems from the fact that by the time an addicted person presents for treatment, complicating social and psychological problems frequently overshadow the addiction process. Further, psychiatric disorders commonly coexist with addictive disorders. As the understanding of the chronic nature of addictive disorders has developed, it has become apparent that treatment should be based on a chronic disease model. Research on detoxification, antagonists, anticraving medications, medications that block alcohol metabolism, and vaccines to treat addictive disorders is reported. The author concludes the treatment of drug addiction should be a high priority for the health care system. 55 references and 2 figures