Substance Abuse and Addiction Medical Reference

Brixadi is a buprenorphine injection for opioid use disorder. Here's what side effects to expect and how to manage them.

Brixadi is a weekly or monthly buprenorphine injection for opioid use disorder. Here's how it works and who it's for.

Learn how addiction affects your brain and behavior.

LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that alters perception, mood, and thoughts. Learn about its effects, risks, and potential uses.

Lean, or purple drank, is a mixture of prescription cough syrup with codeine and promethazine, soda, and candy. It has sedative effects and can be dangerous.

Opium is a highly addictive narcotic derived from the poppy plant, used historically for pain relief, but now known for its role in producing drugs like morphine and heroin.

“BORG drinking” is a TikTok trend where people mix alcohol with water, flavor packets, and caffeine in large jugs, aiming for a personalized, less hangover-inducing drink.

Learn about pink cocaine. Get in-depth insights on its risks, effects, and treatment.

Edibles are drug-infused treats — often cannabis or psilocybin-infused — that you can eat or drink. It can be a discreet, flavorful way to use THC or CBD, providing long-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping.

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a natural cannabinoid found in raw cannabis. THCA can’t get you high until it’s turned into THC.

Indica and sativa are the two main types of cannabis. Do you know the different effects, appearance, and content of each?

Bath salts (synthetic cathinones) are powerful stimulants and hallucinogens. Learn more about their effects, how they’re used, and more.

Ecstasy is a powerful synthetic drug that can affect your energy, mood, and perception. Learn about its effects, who uses it, and more.

DMT is a powerful psychedelic drug that can distort your sense of reality within minutes. Learn more about its effects, legal status, and more.

Phencyclidine (PCP), commonly called “angel dust,” is a type of drug that causes hallucinations. In high doses, it can cause serious health issues. Learn more.

Knowing the common and serious side effects of methadone can help you stay in treatment safely. Learn what to watch for.

Methadone is a medication approved for the treatment of chronic pain and opioid use disorder (OUD). Here’s what you need to know to take it safely.

Methadone is an approved treatment for severe pain or opioid use disorder (OUD). Get the answers to common questions about this medication.

Just like with any other drug, you may notice unwanted side effects. Here are some ways to ease your discomfort.

Learn more about who can take it, what it interacts with, and more.

Learn more about this drug used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).

Got questions about the opioid and alcohol use disorder medication naltrexone (Vivitrol)? We’ve got answers.

If you or a loved one takes naltrexone (Vivitrol) for opioid or alcohol use disorder, you should know these facts.

Here’s how to manage the side effects you might have if you’re on naltrexone (Vivitrol) to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder.

'Tranq' (xylazine) is a type of animal tranquilizer that’s showing up in traces along with mainstream opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. If you overdose, it can cause life-threatening health problems. WebMD takes a look.

How long does marijuana stay in your system? Find out how to get marijuana out of your system and if edibles show up in drug tests.

Whippets are popular inhalant drugs. The nitrous oxide in whippets causes a high. But the side effects of this drug can be very dangerous. Learn more here.

Learn why it may be necessary for your loved one and how to prepare, along with the dos and don’ts.

Do you have an unhealthy relationship with food? Are you considering joining Overeaters Anonymous? Read on to find out all you need to know.

Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic drug that users believe has spiritual and healing properties. Learn how it works and what its effects are like.

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting in some heavy marijuana users. Learn more about it.

THC edibles can make children very sick. Find out how to keep kids safe.

These once-popular party drugs are making a comeback. Learn more about how they work and what the risks are.

What is fentanyl, why is it so addictive, and how can you manage withdrawal from it?

Clinical trials are testing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for people with hard-to-treat substance use disorders. What’s known about how it works.

This screening checks for traces of opioids in your urine, blood, or saliva. Learn more about how it works.

If you’re thinking about asking for help with drug or alcohol addiction, that’s great news. Here are some of the people you can reach out to.

Learn the best ways to help a loved one with opioid use disorder.

If you have opioid use disorder, you may wonder if vitamins or supplements could help you feel better or stop. Find out what the evidence says and what to make of the claims.

When it’s time to taper your opioids, it’s a good idea to take it slow. Learn more about how to do it safely.

NAD therapy is considered a dietary supplement and isn’t proven or approved to treat addiction. While there’s some evidence it might help, here’s what you should know before you decide to try it.

Naloxone and naltrexone are both opioid antagonists, but they’re not the same drug and they aren’t used for the same reasons.

Clinical trials could help prevent opioid misuse and develop effective treatments for those struggling with opioid misuse or addiction.

To avoid a relapse into opioid use disorder, it helps to know your triggers and how to avoid them.

Early intervention can help to prevent a substance use disorder from getting worse. Learn where to find these services and get help before specialty care is needed.

If you have an opioid use disorder, you’ll keep using opioids even if they are causing you harm. Learn more about treatment and where to find help.

Opioids are among the most addictive drugs, and beating that addiction isn’t easy. Learn how to avoid accidental opioid overdose if you relapse.

Those who are transgender or nonbinary are at higher risk of substance misuse. Discrimination can lead to mental health challenges that play a role.

Learn about how often opioid addiction affects different groups and why.