Hostility (negative beliefs about and attitudes toward others, including cynicism and mistrust) is related to the increased risk of many health problems, including addictive and cardiovascular diseases. Some possibilities how to decrease hostility and to communicate with hostile people are summarized. Confrontation should be avoided. The prevalence of hostility among people with addictive diseases may be higher than in the general population.

Key words: hostility – addictive diseases – communication – psychotherapy