Addiction is the compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance (eg, heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) even when it is physically, psychologically, or socially harmful. It is characterized by tolerance and by physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.

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Find out more about specific types of drugs:

• Cocaine use disorder
• Nicotine addiction
• Opioid abuse
• Prescription drugs

Alcohol and illicit drug abuse: do you know the warning signs?

Would you know if a friend or loved one had a drug addiction? Here are some warning signs.

Is your child using drugs?

Is it substance abuse or normal teenage behavior? It's not always easy to tell. Learn about the predictors and danger signals of alcohol and drug use in teens.

The science of addiction

It is estimated that there are 16 million drug users, 13 million heavy drinkers, and 66 million smokers in the United States. Read here to find out why.

How to choose a therapist or counselor

Before you jump into therapy, there are important issues that you need to consider.

Group therapy: can it help you?

Although many people can't imagine sharing their problems with a group, group therapy is a way for individuals to work on their problems in a protected and confidential atmosphere.

Mental health practitioners: who’s who?

If you or someone you love needs therapy, it helps to know the difference between the types of mental health professionals.

Is youth smoking linked to television?

Since the rates of smoking among youth have been increasing since 1991, researchers have been wondering: could television be to blame?

Steroid use: a dangerous trend among teens

Surveys show that as many as 11% of high school athletes have tried anabolic steroids. Find out why these drugs are especially dangerous for teens.

Have you heard rumors that eating poppy seed pastries can cause positive test results for heroin? So, are the rumors true? Find out here.

• Adjustment disorder
• Alcoholism
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Trauma

• Alcohol abuse and alcoholism

• Chemical dependency