This book is intended primarily for government officials, law enforcement officers, judges, probation officers, social workers, attorneys, prison officials, criminologists and others who have a particular interest in the problems associated with narcotic addiction. It is written in such a manner that it is easily understood by the layman of somewhat more than average intelligence. Drugs such as the barbiturates, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamine, and peyote, which are not regarded as narcotics, are also considered because of their deleterious habit-forming or addicting propensities. The history and nature of drug addiction are discussed, and the individual drugs are described. The quantitative and qualitative differences in the pharmacological effects and potential harmfulness of these agents are clearly presented. A chapter is devoted to identification of drugs and proof of addiction. The treatment of narcotic addiction is discussed in a manner that makes the lay reader fully cognizant of the many difficult problems involved.