This is a model of alcohol and other drug use as a continuum with extremely problematic behavior on one end and non-problematic behavior on the other. A drinker or drug user's place on the continuum and the character of their drinking or using behavior (including motivations to use, problems that can result from using and resistance to change) depends on the number, magnitudes and variety of the biological, psychological and sociological factors that contribute to their perception of the rewards over costs. Problematic alcohol and drug use is described in a cognitive-behavioral psychology that addresses cross-personal differences in innate responses to alcohol and other drugs, self/other nature of defining problematic behavior, self-defeating beliefs, the negative consequences of using neutralizing beliefs and the automatic/deliberate nature of human information processing and decision-making. It also deals with effective and ineffective methods for dealing with reduced efficacy. Cravings are described from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, as are the methods for managing them.