The existence of chemical as well nonchemical addictions is a clinical reality. It makes it necessary to compare these addictions in order to find mechanisms and common basis of their development, to specify their position in modern classifications of mental diseases and behavioural disorders and to develop treatment approaches. The literature data on all of abovementioned directions are reviewed. The authors stipulate the necessity of broadening narcology, as a field of clinical medicine, to addictology and development of a specialized addictologic service.