The present invention relates to methods of treating or preventing addictionand relapse use of addictive agents, and treating or preventing addictive orcompulsive behaviour and relapse practice of an addictive behaviour or compulsion,by administering a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR) agonist, alone or in combination with another therapeutic agent, such as, forexample, an opioid receptor antagonist or an antidepressant. The present inventionalso includes pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing addictionor relapse that include a PPAR agonist and one or more other therapeutic agents,as well as unit dosage forms of such pharmaceutical compositions, which containa dosage effective in treating or preventing addiction or relapse. The methodsand compositions of the invention are useful in the treatment or prevention ofaddiction to any agent, including alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, andamphetamines, as well as compulsive and addictive behaviours, including pathologicalgambling and pathological overeating.
