This completely revised 4th edition includes alcohol and tabacco as well as substance abuse and looks at medical, psychological, social and legal aspects of the drug problem. The introduction states the authors' hope that 'a systematic and broad information of the population on background and impact of drug and alcohol consumption as well as treatment options may somewhat guarantee that prejudice against alcoholic and drug-addicted patients can be overcome and that a further increase of drug abuse may be averted. We must accept it as our task to see drug addicts within their social isolation and to provide advice and assistance to those at risk'. (A Karger "Publishing Highlights 1890–2015" title)