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Mental Health A-Z
Addiction
Drug Use
Recreational and prescription drug addiction affects millions of Americans. Learn the risks, health effects, and how to find help for you or a loved one.
8 Common Misconceptions About Substance Abuse
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
How Bowel Health Can Affect Your Substance Use
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Anabolic Steroids Abuse Frequently Asked Questions
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
DSM 5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Explore Drug Use
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Cocaine
Heroin
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Ecstasy/MDMA
Hallucinogens
Opioids
Prescription Medications
How Depressants Affect Your Body
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
An Overview of Stimulants and How They're Used
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
When Does Drug Use Become an Addiction?
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Withdrawal: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Short and Long-Term Effects of Inhalant Drugs
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
How Easy Is It to Develop a Drug Addiction?
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
How Harm Reduction Works in Substance Use
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
When Happens in Substance-Induced Mood Disorder?
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
The Costs of Drug Use to Society
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Substance Intoxication Delirium
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
The Health Effects of Commonly Used Drugs
By Buddy T
Substance/Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Medication or Substance-Induced Neurocognitive Disorder
By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD
Should Workplace Drug Testing of Employees Be Allowed?
Fact checked by Cara Lustik
The Dangers of Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
How Is Drug Toxicity Treated?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
How to Control Compulsive Lying When You Have an Addiction
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Overview of Inhalant Drug Abuse
By Buddy T
Health Effects of Various Illegal Drugs
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Learn About Drug Testing in the Workplace
By Buddy T
How Long Drugs Can Be Detected in Your System
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
High Stress Teens Twice as Likely to Drink or Use Drugs
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
GHB: Myths, Effects, Risks, and How to Get Help
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
The Truth About Home Drug Testing for Teens
Fact checked by Adah Chung
A Glossary of Drug-Related Slang Terms
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Controlled Drugs in the Controlled Substance Act
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Salvia Divinorum: Myths, Effects, Risks, and How to Get Help
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Poppy Seeds and Opiate Addiction
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Dehydration Causes and Symptoms
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Purple Drank: Myths, Effects, Risks, and How to Get Help
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Uses and Effects of Barbiturates
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
U.S. Has High Levels of Illegal Drug Use
Fact checked by Emily Swaim
The Differences Between Hard vs. Soft Drugs
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Is Ritalin Addictive?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
How Stereotypes About Drug Use Harm the Gay Community
By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD
Rates of Illicit Drug Abuse in the U.S.
By Buddy T
Alcohol and Drug-Related Crime Statistics
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Basic Facts About Anabolic Steroids
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Dangers of Drug Use When Breastfeeding
Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD
Common Drug Law Terms and Laws
Fact checked by Adah Chung
The Truth About Snorting Drugs
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Neurotransmitter Linked to Pleasure & Reward in Brain
By Buddy T
Why Alcohol Is the Most Harmful Drug
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Guidelines for Treating Newborns Addicted to Drugs
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
A Parent's Guide to Drug Paraphernalia
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Information About Commonly Abused Drugs
Fact checked by Emily Swaim
Drug Testing and Drug Screening for Teens
Fact checked by Adah Chung
The Term Comedown in Drug Addiction
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
How Safe Injection Sites Work
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Signs and Treatments for Drug Overdoses
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Adderall Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Gabapentin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, Treatment
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Klonopin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Cocaine: Myths, Effects, Risks, and How to Get Help
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Does Cocaine Have Any Medical Uses?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Cocaine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Cocaine May Play Role in User's Depression
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Basic Facts About Cocaine and Crack
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
How Cocaine Affects the Female Brain Differently
Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD