Substance Abuse and Addiction Medical Reference

Opioid addiction can increase risks for a variety of heart problems, including atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart failure, and heart attack. Learn why this happens and what you can do about it.

Popular street drugs, how they impact your body and mind, and how they can affect your health. Learn about newer drugs such as bath salts and flakka as well as those that have been around for decades.

Alcohol abuse has many hidden costs that you may not realize. Alcohol addiction recovery has many costs as well. Learn what those financial costs may be and how you can plan ahead to eliminate any surprises.

What you need to know about the dangerous and addictive drug crystal meth.

Bloodshot eyes and mood changes are just two of several signs that someone may be abusing drugs. Learn to spot the telltale symptoms.

Naloxone, in Narcan nasal spray, rapidly reverses opioid overdoses. It's easy to use, delivering a lifesaving dose in emergencies, restoring normal breathing within minutes.

Heroin use is on the rise in the U.S., and so are deaths from heroin overdoses. Here's what you need to know if you think a family member or friend is using it.

Denial can keep you from treating an addiction. Learn more about what it is and how to move past it.

WebMD explains which medications are likely to interact poorly with alcohol - and the special vulnerability of older adults who mix drinking and prescription drugs.

If you drink heavily for a long time, you might have problems when you stop or cut back how much alcohol you drink. This is called alcohol withdrawal, and symptoms can range from mild to serious.

If you drink heavily and want to get under control, detox is usually the first step. Learn how to know if you need it, what the process is like, and your choices for detox and rehab programs.

What is hypnotherapy, and how is it related to alcoholism? Read on to learn about hypnosis for alcoholism and other substance abuse issues.

Staying in recovery after prescription drug abuse means coping with psychological addiction and craving. Find out what's needed to stay clean.

Breaking free from an addiction to prescription drugs takes more than willpower. Learn more from WebMD about the medications and types of counseling that can help get someone on the road to recovery.

Being addicted to opioid drugs goes beyond physical dependence. Counseling helps addicts stay clean and cope with life. Which type of therapy is right for someone with an addiction?

How does painkiller addiction happen and what can be done about it?

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can have serious effects on your health and well-being. Learn what it does to your body.

Pot, weed, dope, or marijuana. No matter what you call it, here’s what it will do to your body and brain.

About 20% of the U.S. population has abused prescription meds. What defines an addiction, and which drugs are popular?

Barbiturates, once commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, can cause death even in small doses -- and their misuse is on the rise among teens. Learn more about the effects of barbiturates.

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication known as tranquilizers -- familiar names are Valium and Xanax -- that are easily abused. Learn more about the effects, symptoms, and abuse of these drugs.

GHB and Rohypnol are known as date-rape drugs. Learn more from WebMD about what they look like and how they affect the body.

Find out what to do if you suspect someone is abusing benzodiazepines, a class of drugs also known as tranquilizers.

If you suspect someone has abused barbiturates, medical attention is needed. Find out what to expect at the emergency room.

Alcohol intoxication and alcohol poisoning are dangerous. WebMD tells you how to help a person who has had too much to drink.

WebMD takes a look at alcohol use disorder, including causes, symptoms, and health risks.

You may know alcohol use disorder as “alcohol abuse,” alcohol dependence,” or “alcoholism.” How can you know if you have it?

Find out if you might have an alcohol use disorder by answering these questions with this screening test.