Substance Abuse and Addiction

Acetaldehyde is a chemical that is produced when sugar is burned. Internal studies conducted by cigarette maker Phillip Morris revealed that adding acetaldehyde to nicotine significantly increases the desire to smoke. While patches and gum may help to... Full Answer

Dr. Oz discusses how the same spark of creative genius that celebrities have can also lead some down the road of addiction. Country star Mindy McCready shares her story of addiction and recovery in this video. Full Answer

Not everyone who drinks alcohol or tries drugs becomes addicted. Why is that? What makes one person become addicted when others can use without consequence? Vulnerability to this disease ranges and affects people differently. Factors, such as genetics,... Full Answer

It is hard to determine how the disease of addiction will affect someone or whose life it will consume. However, when you know the factors involved that may predispose someone to this disease, we can begin to make choices that eliminate the risks for... Full Answer

Vulnerability to this disease varies and is based on differing factors. It can affect one person and pass another. It can take hold of one family member’s life, but make no impact on his brother’s. It can skip generations or show first signs... Full Answer

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University conducted a fascinating study that found that teens who use social networking websites are more likely to drink, smoke and do drugs. The researchers discovered that when... Full Answer

Except for the fact that it is addictive, makes you sick, and hastens your death, nicotine is a wonderful drug. Nicotine calms you down when you feel stressed and wakes you up when you feel tired. It improves memory, decreases anxiety, raises tolerance... Full Answer

People with bipolar disorder and depression are at a greater risk of abusing alcohol and other illicit drugs than people without those mental illnesses. Alcohol or recreational drugs may be used to numb emotions, induce sleep, or to help calm... Full Answer

Older people are more susceptible to substance abuse. Substance abuse is one of the most common health problems in VA nursing homes and the rate has increased as Vietnam veterans age. Full Answer

Like all addictive drugs, nicotine affects your brain, making you feel good and wanting more of it. Nicotine has an upside: It can improve your concentration and alertness, boost your mood, and suppress your appetite. Of course, the downside, like the... Full Answer