Substance Abuse and Addiction

If you choose to take a medication to overcome addiction, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor -- never make medication changes without first consulting your doctor. If taken incorrectly, medication can be less... Full Answer

Marijuana was the drug of choice for nearly two-thirds of the 7.1 million people ages 12 or older who were dependent on, or abused, illicit drugs during 2010. Prescription pain relievers were the second most commonly abused drug. Two other... Full Answer

Humility is a vital part of recovering from addiction. Here is how Webster defines humility: “The quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people; the quality or state of being humble.”Author and historian John Dickson... Full Answer

Who do you forgive and for what? Why is it important for an alcoholic or addict to forgive to stay sober? These are all very important questions that need answers and action for someone to overcome addiction and find recovery.Who do you forgive? First... Full Answer

When people think about getting sober, one of their biggest fears is: Can I ever have fun again? Most people think sobriety is boring. Well, the newly sober person needs to adjust his or her perspective. Yes, being sober won’t involve death-defying... Full Answer

When asked why he defines addiction as a disease, Dr. Jason Powers, chief medical officer at The Right Step, responds with, “In the science of addiction, we have a sick organ system – the brain. There is also a natural progression in the... Full Answer

Physical dependence (when the body gets used to having the substance or activity and "misses it" if it's taken away) and addiction are two different things. People who are physically dependent might be addicted, but not necessarily. People with... Full Answer

Withdrawal refers to a range of typical symptoms that vary depending on the substance or activity in question. These symptoms often reflect the opposite of the high. How long withdrawal symptoms last and how severe they are depends on which... Full Answer

The term substance misuse reflects cultural values and refers to the inappropriate use (which can be intentional or accidental) of any type of drug (including alcohol). Misuse can be a warning sign or precursor to abuse. Full Answer

One of the more serious brain-related disorders that is attributed to chemical malfunctions in the brain is addiction. We become addicted to substances that increase or release certain chemicals in our brain. Specifically, those certain substances like... Full Answer