Recent developments in understanding and treating drug abuse and dependence.

Although some progress appears to have been made in curbing the spread of drug abuse, it is still widespread in American society. The authors summarize current relevant issues in addiction psychiatry. New developments are described in the areas of epidemiology, heredity and environmental influences, neuroreceptors and neurotransmitters, AIDS, diagnostic classification, psychopathology, psychodynamics, new psychotherapeutic approaches, the efficacy of psychotherapy, and pharmacologic treatment. New findings confirm the important role of the psychiatrist and other mental health practitioners in many aspects of drug abuse research and treatment.