1 of 7 / Overview
View AllWhat Is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse differs from addiction. Many people with substance abuse problems are able to quit or change their behavior.
What Is Drug Addiction?
Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. With drug addiction, you can’t resist the urge to use them.
Signs of Drug Addiction
If you’re worried that you or a loved one may have an addiction, there are signs to help you know.
Tolerance, Physical Dependence, and Addiction Explained
"Addiction,” “tolerance,” and “physical dependence” are often used interchangeably. But they don’t mean the same thing.
2 of 7 / Alcohol Use Disorder
View AllWhat Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic illness in which you can’t stop or control your drinking.
Alcohol Use Disorder: Myths and Facts
Are you falling for common misconceptions about alcohol use disorder?
The Stages of Alcoholism
No one becomes addicted to alcohol overnight. You don’t catch alcoholism the way you do the common cold.
Do I Have an Alcohol Problem?
If you've had two or three of these symptoms in the past year, that’s a mild alcohol use disorder.
3 of 7 / Opioid Use Disorder
View AllPainkillers and Opioid Use Disorder
A national health crisis, 3 million people in the U.S. have opioid use disorder (OUD), or they’ve had it in the past.
Opioid Abuse Statistics: Who’s Affected and Why?
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 3.8 percent of American adults abuse opioids each year.
Fentanyl: What You Need to Know
Fentanyl is a human-made opioid used to treat severe pain. It's 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
Heroin
Heroin is a drug that comes from a flower, the opium poppy, which usually grows in Mexico, Asia, and South America.
4 of 7 / Cannabis Use Disorder
View AllWhat Is Marijuana Abuse?
Marijuana misuse can have dire consequences if left untreated. It’s possible to misuse it and get addicted to it.
Recreational Marijuana FAQ
Despite increasing acceptance, marijuana use does have some risks. Here's a look at how marijuana can affect your health.
How Pot Affects Your Mind and Body
Marijuana has mind-altering compounds that affect both your brain and body. It can be addictive, and it may be harmful.
How to Avoid a High Tolerance to Cannabis
Long-term use of cannabis can reduce the effects of its intoxication. So you can develop a tolerance for the drug.
5 of 7 / Prescription Drug Abuse
View AllWhat Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Prescription drug abuse is when you take a medication for a reason other than why the doctor prescribed it.
Prescription Addiction: Who's at Risk?
Addiction is a complex disease brought on by many reasons, including your lifestyle and genes.
Should You Worry About Your Back Pain Meds?
Opioid meds do relieve back pain for short periods, but they're strong -- and they come with some serious risks.
Dealing with Side Effects of Percocet
Percocet is a mix of acetaminophen and oxycodone. Taking it doesn't come without side effects.
6 of 7 / Other Abused Substances
View AllStreet Drugs: Know the Facts and Risks
With street or club drugs use, you’re taking risks. The drugs are dangerous, and there’s no way to know how strong they are.
What Is Cocaine?
Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that ups your levels of alertness, attention, and energy.
Crystal Meth: What You Should Know
Crystal meth is the common name for crystal methamphetamine, a strong and highly addictive drug.
What Is Kratom?
Doctors believe some substances in kratom attach themselves to the same parts of a nerve cell as opioid painkillers.
7 of 7 / Non-Substance Addictions
View AllSigns of a Sex Addict
Sex addiction is defined as a lack of control over sexual thoughts, urges, and impulses.
Porn Addiction
Porn addiction is, in theory, when you can’t stop looking at porn, even if you want to.
What Is Overeaters Anonymous?
Overeaters Anonymous are groups of individuals who come together to meet over a shared problem: compulsive overeating.
Suggested Reads about Substance Abuse and Addiction
What Is Harm Reduction for Opioid Addiction?
Harm reduction is a nonjudgmental approach to protecting people with addiction. These programs give people the tools and support they need to get better. And it can save their lives.
Marijuana Abuse and Addiction
Cannabis use disorder is when you’re addicted to marijuana. Learn more about this condition and how to treat it.
What Does Alcohol Do to Your Body?
A few seconds after your first sip, alcohol starts to change how your body works. After years of heavy drinking, those changes add up. Find out more from WebMD's slideshow.
Could You Be Hooked? Surprising Addictions
Cell phones, social media, chocolate, a runner's high -- what is it you feel like you're addicted to? WebMD finds out why we feel we can't live without these things.
Top Search Terms for Substance Abuse and Addiction
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