Substance Abuse and Addiction Medical Reference

It can be hard to tell when a love of gaming has crossed into the danger zone. Learn the warning signs that can alert you to a problem.

Drinking too much alcohol regularly can damage your body and your brain. Find out what can happen, and how to get help.

Binge drinking is defined as excessive alcohol use in a short amount of time, usually more than five drinks. Learn about the signs, prevention, and adverse health effects of binge drinking.

Find out the symptoms, complications, and treatment of alcohol poisoning, also known as an alcohol overdose, and learn what to do in an emergency if you think it's happening to someone you're with.

Alcohol use disorder is a progressive disease. Recognizing the symptoms and the stages of the disease can help you, or someone you know, start on the road to recovery.

The things you eat and drink can be a key part of recovery from an opioid use disorder. Check this list to see what your diet should include.

Read about potomania, the role of alcohol and poor nutrition, and how your doctor can help.

WebMD explores the best foods to eat during recovery, what to avoid, and healthy habits to set.

If you think you have a drinking problem, telling your doctor can be the first step toward recovery.

Alcohol use disorder, also known as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, is a common condition. But it's often misunderstood. Get the facts about alcohol use disorder.

Recovery from alcohol use disorder is a process that often includes relapses. If you know the warning signs, you may be able to avoid these setbacks.

Opioids can be risky to your unborn baby. Learn about treatments to protect both of you.

Are you worried about the impact that addiction to alcohol or drugs can have on your job? Many people drink or use drugs to deal with work stress or long hours, and office parties can be sources of temptation. Find out what rights you have if you’re applying for new jobs or worried about your current one.

It can be intimidating to get professional help for drugs or alcohol. Take the first step and consult with your doctor.

Opioid addiction: When to seek emergency care for yourself or others, including symptoms of withdrawal and addiction, and what to do about infection, mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, and injuries.

It’s not just about illegal drugs. Using pain meds, alcohol, and other legal substances the wrong way can also harm your health.

Abusing prescription drugs can lead to addiction. Learn who’s at risk for this problem.

Opioid drugs are a common treatment for back pain, but they come with risks and can be addictive. Learn the risks of these drugs and how to use them safely.

A police officer may ask you to take a breath alcohol test if he believes you have been drinking and driving. But how does it work, and what do the results mean?

This powerful drug is used for pain relief and drug addiction. But it comes with some negative side effects and risks.

Learn more about the signs of this issue and how it’s treated.

Starting your new sober life can be tough, but a plan and the help of supportive friends and family can make it easier.

Find out more about the options for treating alcohol abuse, including detox, therapy, and medication.

If you've got a friend or loved one who drinks heavily, it can be hard to figure out what to do. Start here.

Just because you drink doesn't mean you have alcohol use disorder. Find out how to know if you have it.

From a traffic stop to a health emergency, you might get your blood alcohol level tested for any number of reasons. Find out when you might get one, what to expect, what the results mean, and when you can drive safely and legally.

Opioid addiction doesn’t happen overnight. It’s usually a gradual process that happens after repeated use of opioids.

Learn about alcoholic gastritis, including symptoms, causes, and how alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and lead to inflammation and discomfort.

Learn more about the health care professionals and support team members who will be part of your drug or alcohol treatment team.

What to do if you have a mental illness like depression or anxiety, and you can't stop using drugs or alcohol.

Step-by-step tips on how to avoid or reduce a high tolerance to cannabis and information on why it can be helpful for frequent cannabis users.

If you’re addicted to alcohol or drugs like opioids, you’re at higher risk to think about or even attempt suicide. Depression, chronic pain, or stressful life events like divorce or job loss could drive both addiction and suicide risk. Find out the warning signs of suicide and what you can do to prevent it.

There may be more than one way to manage a drinking problem. With the help of your doctor, you can explore whether stopping or cutting back is the right choice for you.

Recovery from alcohol use disorder is possible, but success depends on more than saying no to drinking. Self-awareness and personal growth make the difference.

Substance use robs the body of critical nutrients. You’ll need to replenish those vitamins and minerals to help your body heal.

WebMD explores what can happen when you misuse opioids, both legal and illegal.

WebMD explores how your body changes when you give up drinking.

There’s growing evidence that exercise can be a powerful tool in your recovery if you deal with addiction. Learn how getting active can boost your chances of success.

Relapse can sometimes be part of the recovery process. But if you identify your triggers and seek out support, you may avoid it.

Need to be drug tested? Here’s what’s involved.

If you choose to drink alcohol, it’s important to drink in moderation. Understand how heavy drinking can affect your health and when drinking is “risky.”

Learn how recreational marijuana use can affect your health. And find out if it's addictive.

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.