The phenomena of shamanism are described from the perspectives of cross-cultural research and the universals of shamanism are analyzed in terms of their biological bases. Uniformities in shamanic practices worldwide reflect: (1) community bonding rituals that extend mammalian opioid-attachment mechanisms; (2) social signaling and emotional communication processes such as singing, music, and drumming; (3) altered states of consciousness that elicit an integrative mode of consciousness, exemplified in the shamanic soul flight and visionary experiences; (4) innate representational modules that enhance self-awareness and social identity through using animal and spirit concepts as representational systems for personal and social identities; and (5) a variety of endogenous healing capacities elicited by ritual activities. The biological understandings of shamanic universals indicate that these potentials are still part of human nature and have relevance for understanding contemporary human health and illness. This relevance is illustrated by a review of literature that indicates the applicability of shamanic practices to the treatment of addictions.