Introduction: Addiction diseases are a major social and health problem of the modern world and society, and their availability poses a risk and danger to the population. Objective: Comparison of prevalence of addiction disease in the Republic of Croatia and the EU in the period from 2010 - 2018 and the contribution of the nurse in prevention. Materials and methods: Data related to Croatia were published in the Report on Persons Treated for Psychoactive Drug Abuse in Croatia in 2018, while European data were taken from the European Drugs Report 2019. (and the accompanying Statistical Bulletin) and 2015., and ESPAD report 2015. Results: The Czech Republic has the biggest problem with alcohol and cigarette consumption, while the United Kingdom has the highest prevalence of heavier drugs (cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy and LSD) and France in the area of cannabis consumption. The problem of gambling among young people is the biggest in Greece. Croatia is among the first in the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, while it takes the middle in the use of drugs and gambling activities. Discussion: The reasons for Croatia's position are explained by their lifestyle and habits, while the reason for the Czech advantage in alcohol and cigarette consumption is explained by more liberal laws and also by lifestyle. Norway has made its low position conditional on strict measures and laws on alcohol restriction and proper prevention. Mortality from drug use has increased over the years and has risen sharply in recent years. Such a growth trend is dangerous and requires improved addiction prevention, in which the nurse plays a major role. Conclusion: Prevention is the most important item in the fight against addiction, and in order to implement it properly, responsible, educated and friendly nurses are needed.