Addictions have existed since ancients times, that is, we can say that addictions have existed since the beginning of man. They are characterized by a series of psychological and physical symptoms in moments without a specific activity or substance. There is a wide spectrum of substances that a person can be addicted to, and with the advancement of technology and time, new forms of addiction appear, such as addiction to gambling, the Internet, and video games. Global issue of addiction continues to be a significant concern, the age limit for introduction to the world of drugs and alcohol is getting lower and lower, which is why addictions represent a serious social problem. Adolescents are the most at-risk group, some of them start experimenting out of pure curiosity, while others use them as a coping mechanism with difficult life situations. Family medicine doctors, nurses, but also family members who spend the most time with the person play an important role in the identification of risk groups and prevention. The person begins to neglect previous activities, alienates himself from society, and the emphasis is placed on acquiring a certain substance in order to satisfy his needs. People addicted to drugs after long-term use need increasing amounts to lose the initial effect, while people addicted to alcohol after years of addiction need smaller and smaller amount of alcohol to feel intoxicated. The treatment is long and arduous, requires a lot of patience and strenght, and relapses are frequente. This work places the greates emphasis on alcohol and drug addiction, their epidemiology and etiology, as well as prevention and treatment, and at the very end, addictions of the new era are mentioned.