In most areas of the medical curriculum it is far more important to teach students theapproachto problems, rather than to encourage rote learning of the specific diagnostic and therapeutic regimen indicated in every conceivable circumstance. This is especially true in the field of substance abuse, in part because there simply are no clear-cut answers which can be universally applied. Nevertheless, dogmatism has been all too common in the teaching as well as the treatment of addiction, and there is a general tendency to view the problem simplistically and to advocate a specific modality as the solution. Teaching new professionals to apply the holistic perspective of the epidemiologist will enhance the likelihood of establishing realistic program goals, and adopting a comprehensive, balanced approach.