This literature review describes the volunteer movement and its actual and potential effect on the drug abuse field. The first section outlines the philosophical and historical events and perspectives that have influenced the development of voluntarism. The next section presents data on current trends in the use of volunteers in the largest Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas as well as descriptions of volunteer characteristics. The third section cites evaluation studies on the use of volunteers. The final section discusses administrative concerns, such as sources of volunteers, their recruitment and training, and recommendations for the design and implementation of successful volunteer programs. An extensive listing of references and an appendix of resources are also included. (KMF)