Substance Abuse and Addiction Medical Reference
What Is a BORG?
- What Is Pink Cocaine?
Learn about pink cocaine. Get in-depth insights on its risks, effects, and treatment.
- Edibles: Types and How to Use Them Safely
Edibles are drug-infused treats — often cannabis or psilocybin-infused — that you can eat or drink. It can be a discreet, flavorful way to use THC or CBD, providing long-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping.
- THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a natural cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. THCA can’t get you high until it’s turned into THC.
- Indica vs. Sativa: What’s the Difference?
Indica and sativa are the two main types of cannabis. Do you know the different effects, appearance, and content of each?
- What Are Bath Salts (Drug)?
Bath salts (synthetic cathinones) are powerful stimulants and hallucinogens. Learn more about their effects, how they’re used, and more.
- What Is LSD?
LSD is a psychedelic drug that alters your mind and causes you to see, hear, and feel things that aren't there.
- What Is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is a powerful synthetic drug that can affect your energy, mood, and perception. Learn about its effects, who uses it, and more.
- DMT: Everything You Should Know
DMT is a powerful psychedelic drug that can distort your sense of reality within minutes. Learn more about its effects, legal status, and more.
- What Is PCP?
Phencyclidine (PCP), commonly called “angel dust,” is a type of drug that causes hallucinations. In high doses, it can cause serious health issues. Learn more.
- Tips for Managing Side Effects of Methadone
Knowing the common and serious side effects of methadone can help you stay in treatment safely. Learn what to watch for.
- 7 Things to Know About Taking Methadone
Methadone is a medication approved for the treatment of chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). Here’s what you need to know to take it safely.
- Methadone FAQs
Methadone is an approved treatment for severe pain or opioid use disorder (OUD). Get the answers to common questions about this medication.
- Tips for Managing Side Effects of Buprenorphine (Sublocade)
Just like with any other drug, you may notice unwanted side effects. Here are some ways to ease your discomfort.
- 5 Things to Know About Buprenorphine (Sublocade)
Learn more about who can take it, what it interacts with, and more.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Buprenorphine (Sublocade)
Learn more about this drug used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
- Tips for Managing Naltrexone (Vivitrol) Side Effects
Here’s how to manage the side effects you might have if you’re on naltrexone (Vivitrol) to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder.
- 7 Things to Know About Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
If you or a loved one takes naltrexone (Vivitrol) for opioid or alcohol use disorder, you should know these facts.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Got questions about the opioid and alcohol use disorder medication naltrexone (Vivitrol)? We’ve got answers.
- What Is Tranq (Xylazine)?
Tranq (xylazine) is a type of animal tranquilizer that’s showing up in traces along with mainstream opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. If you overdose, it can cause life-threatening health problems. WebMD takes a look.
- What to Know About How Long Marijuana Stays in Your System
How long does marijuana stay in your system? Find out how to get marijuana out of your system and if edibles show up in drug tests.
- Whippets: What You Need to Know About These Inhalant Drugs
Whippets are popular inhalant drugs. The nitrous oxide in whippets causes a high. But the side effects of this drug can be very dangerous. Learn more here.
- What Is an Intervention?
Learn why it may be necessary for your loved one and how to prepare, along with the dos and don’ts.
- What Is Overeaters Anonymous?
Do you have an unhealthy relationship with food? Are you considering joining Overeaters Anonymous? Read on to find out all you need to know.
- What Is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic drug that users believe has spiritual and healing properties. Learn how it works and what its effects are like.
- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting in some heavy marijuana users. Learn more about it.
- What to Do if Your Child Eats a Marijuana Edible
THC edibles can make children very sick. Find out how to keep kids safe.
- Poppers: Side Effects and Dangers of Amyl Nitrate
These once-popular party drugs are making a comeback. Learn more about how they work and what the risks are.
- What to Know About Fentanyl Withdrawal
What is fentanyl, why is it so addictive, and how can you manage withdrawal from it?
- Deep Brain Stimulation for Addiction
Clinical trials are testing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for people with hard-to-treat substance use disorders. What’s known about how it works.
- What Is Opioid Testing?
This screening checks for traces of opioids in your urine, blood, or saliva. Learn more about how it works.
- How to Ask for Help With Addiction
If you’re thinking about asking for help with drug or alcohol addiction, that’s great news. Here are some of the people you can reach out to.
- Dealing With a Family Member’s Opioid Addiction
Learn the best ways to help a loved one with opioid use disorder.
- Vitamins and Supplements for Opioid Use Disorder
If you have opioid use disorder, you may wonder if vitamins or supplements could help you feel better or stop. Find out what the evidence says and what to make of the claims.
- Safely Tapering Off Opioids
When it’s time to taper your opioids, it’s a good idea to take it slow. Learn more about how to do it safely.
- NAD Therapy for Addiction: What to Know
NAD therapy is considered a dietary supplement and isn’t proven or approved to treat addiction. While there’s some evidence it might help, here’s what you should know before you decide to try it.
- Naloxone vs. Naltrexone
Naloxone and naltrexone are both opioid antagonists, but they’re not the same drug and they aren’t used for the same reasons.
- Clinical Trials for Opioid Dependence and Addiction
Clinical trials could help prevent opioid misuse and develop effective treatments for those struggling with opioid misuse or addiction.
- What Causes Opioid Use Disorder Relapses?
To avoid a relapse into opioid use disorder, it helps to know your triggers and how to avoid them.
- Early Intervention for Substance Use Disorders
Early intervention can help to prevent a substance use disorder from getting worse. Learn where to find these services and get help before specialty care is needed.
- Behavioral Health Services for Opioid Addiction
If you have an opioid use disorder, you’ll keep using opioids even if they are causing you harm. Learn more about treatment and where to find help.
- Opioid Relapse and Accidental Overdose
Opioids are among the most addictive drugs, and beating that addiction isn’t easy. Learn how to avoid accidental opioid overdose if you relapse.
- Substance Use Disorder in Transgender and Nonbinary People
Those who are transgender or nonbinary are at higher risk of substance misuse. Discrimination can lead to mental health challenges that play a role.
- Opioid Abuse Statistics: Who’s Affected and Why?
Learn about how often opioid addiction affects different groups and why.
- What to Expect at Your First NA Meeting
What happens at a meeting of Narcotics Anonymous? Find out how this program can fit into your substance abuse recovery plan.
- Suboxone for Opioid Use Disorder
If you’re in treatment for opioid use disorder, your doctor may prescribe Suboxone. Learn how this medication can help you stay in therapy and recover.
- Why Some Have Less Access to Addiction Treatment
Over 21 million Americans have at least one addiction. But only 10% get treatment. Here are some reasons why.
- Mixing Benzos and Opioids
Mixing opioids and benzodiazepines can be a dangerous combination. Here’s what to know if you take both of these drugs.
- What Is Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)?
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is when a baby goes through withdrawal from drugs they were exposed to in the womb. Learn about possible complications.
- Tolerance, Physical Dependence, and Addiction Explained
What is the difference between tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction? Learn about these levels of drug use.