Disclosed are N-[4-(2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-pyridin-4-yl)-benzyl]-benzamide derivatives which are useful as human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH-2) inhibitors for treating chemical dependency on dopamine-producing agents such as cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, nicotine and alcohol. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of said compounds and methods of using the compounds in the treatment of addiction.
