Neuropeptide S receptor antagonists are provided that bind in functional assays to neuropeptide S receptors; methods are provided for use of these antagonists in treatment of conditions or disease states that are ameliorated by blocking of the neuropeptide S receptor, including substance abuse and substance abuse relapse; and for use of neuropeptide S receptor antagonists in the manufacture of therapeutics and pro-drugs for therapeutics useful in disease states and conditions sensitive to binding of the neuropeptide S receptor.