Three people talking in group therapy
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.
woman holding stomach
Why You Shouldn't Use Substances to Treat Bowel Problems
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Weight Room Steroids
Frequently Asked Questions About Steroids
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Close up of mixed race woman holding medication capsule
The Symptoms Used to Diagnose Substance Use Disorders
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
glass of alcohol on the rocks
Depressants Can Negatively Interact With Your Central Nervous System
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
Man has put a drip coffee at the counter
How Different Stimulants From Caffeine to Cocaine Are Addictive
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
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Drug Addiction and the Pathological Pursuit of Rewards
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Young woman suffering from withdrawal headache while sitting on the sofa at home with an expression of being unwell
What Is Drug Withdrawal?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Teenage girl inhaling drugs
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Inhalants
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
A woman seated on concrete stairs with her chin resting on her knees.
Various Factors Can Affect Whether You Get Hooked on Drugs
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Needle and supplies for exchange program
How Harm Reduction Works in Substance Use
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
Sad woman looking out window
How Substance Abuse Can Lead to Mood Disorders
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Syringe and Pills
The Costs of Drug Use to Society
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Delirious woman holding head in hands
How Intoxication From Alcohol, Drugs or Medications Can Cause Delirium
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Man rubbing head in bathroom
Do You Know the Health Effects of Commonly Used Drugs?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Model poses as a man with substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder
What You Need to Know About Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Lost in memories
Mild Neurocognitive Disorder Due to Substance/Medication Use
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Shoreditch Office
Pros and Cons of Workplace Drug Testing on Employees
Fact checked by Cara Lustik
Portrait of woman drinking alcohol at work
How Substance Abuse Can Negatively Influence the Workplace
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
Woman about to take a pill with water
Signs and Symptoms to Watch for With Drug Toxicity
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Woman talking to doctor with fingers cross behind her back
How to Control Compulsive Lying When You Have an Addiction
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Close up of the nozzle of an aerosol can
Inhalants Are Dangerous Drugs That Can Have Horrible Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Marijuana Drug Use Teen Smoking Pot
Health Effects of Illegal Drugs
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
drug urine test
How Long Drugs Can Be Detected in Your System
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Woman persuading her upset daughter at home
Study Identifies Top Risk Factors for Teen Substance Abuse
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Drink on a bar
GHB: Everything You’ve Been Afraid to Ask
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Urine Test Strip
Drug Tests for Teens as a Preventative or Investigative Tool
Fact checked by Adah Chung
Close-Up Of Weed In Mason Jar On Table
Words and Names Can Take on Different Meanings in Drug Culture
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Hydrocodone capsules, a schedule III drug, spilling out of a prescription bottle
How the 5 Schedules of Controlled Substances Differ
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Salvia divinorum plant
Salvia Divinorum: Everything You've Been Afraid to Ask
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Sipping tea and reading
What Parents Need to Know About Poppy Seed Tea
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
woman drinking water in cafe
How Dehydration Can Be Avoided and Treated
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Cold and cough liquid medicine in a measuring cup
Purple Drank: Everything You've Been Afraid to Ask
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
capsules spilling out of a bottle
Uses and Effects of Barbiturates
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
A person with their head in their hands.
U.S. Has High Levels of Illegal Drug Use
Fact checked by Emily Swaim
marijuana plants growing under light
The Differences Between :Hard: vs.:"Soft":Drugs and Why It Matters
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Ritalin Pills on Table
Can Ritalin Really Lead to Addiction?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Male hand holding recreational drugs
Why Gay Men Using Drugs Can Be a Harmful Stereotype
By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD
Man Igniting Marijuana Joint With Lighter
The Types of Drugs Most Likely to Be Abused in America
By Buddy T
Sobriety Test of a man by a police officer at night
Why Alcohol and Drugs Are Factors in a Large Percentage of Crimes
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Anabolic Steroids
Your Guide to Anabolic Steroids
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Woman holding baby
Is Using Drugs While Breastfeeding Dangerous for the Baby?
Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD
Person being arrested
The Many Potential Legal Ramifications for Using Drugs
Fact checked by Adah Chung
Cocaine on mirror
Is Snorting Drugs More Dangerous?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Brain Waves
Neurotransmitter Link Could Be Key to New Drug Treatments
Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD
E.R. Patient
Alcohol Is the Most Harmful When Others Are Taken Into Account
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
A photo of different medicinal drugs, tablets and pills on blue background.
Best Drug Addiction Treatment Centers of 2021
Fact checked by Sean Blackburn
Baby crying being cleaned by mother
Learn to Identify, Monitor, and Treat Withdrawal Symptoms in Newborns
Fact checked by Cara Lustik
Drugs
7 Types of Drug Paraphernalia and Clues Parents Often Miss
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Information About Commonly Abused Drugs
Fact checked by Emily Swaim
A urine cup ready for a sample to test for drugs.
Drug Testing and Drug Screening for Teens
Fact checked by Adah Chung
woman holding head in bed
A Comedown as a Post-Effect of Addictive Drug Behaviors
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Intravenous drug user
How Safe Injection Sites Work
Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
Spilled pill bottle on nightstand next to glass of alcohol
Know How to Recognize the Signs of Drug Overdoses to Save a Life
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Urine Test Strip
Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing
Fact checked by Emily Swaim
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How Long Does Withdrawal From Adderall Last?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
common symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal
How Long Does Withdrawal From Gabapentin Last?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman Taking Pill
How Long Does Withdrawal From Klonopin Last?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Cocaine is often stored loose in baggies
Cocaine: Everything You’ve Been Afraid to Ask
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
woman's hand cutting powdered cocaine with razor blade
Is Cocaine More Than Just a Street Drug?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Man holding bag of cocaine
What You Can Expect From Cocaine Withdrawal
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD