In this symposium the nature, epidemiology and extent of psychiatric disorders comorbid with addictions, especially alcoholism, was exposed. Internationally reknown authors from several European countries highlight the diversity and complexity of this problem in particular for depression, anxiety and suicide. The conclusion is that every psychiatrist should be well acquainted with addiction disorders and that no addiction center be allowed to refuse treatment to patients with a psychiatric comorbid disorder. Comorbidity of schizophrenia with addictions should be a future focus of research. Multicultural Europe is an exciting area for further research of the comorbidity problems.