The Medical Definition of Addiction

Does someone you love suffer from addiction? Knowing what this term means can help you find out. This video explains the central tenets of addiction. For a person to have a chemical addiction, he must exhibit a high…

College can facilitate drug and alcohol abuse problems for many students. If you have already gone through substance abuse treatment and are now preparing to return to school, you may have some apprehension about…

Addiction can evolve from a number of circumstances, but a common thread runs through each instance of it: the non-prescribed usage of a drug. This video explains situations that can give rise to addiction. Some…

Meth and other addictive substances wreak havoc on your body and your brain. There are three main ways to characterize substance abuse: chronic, progressive, and fatal. Substance abuse is considered chronic because…

Alcohol abuse is a type of addiction, and—like other drug addictions—its causes are fairly complex and often related to emotional or mental distress. Drinking alcohol may be a temporary escape from personal problems…

Drug abuse is a complex and chronic illness. Although the initial choice to take drugs may be voluntary, addiction can make it seem like stopping is not an option, even when the drug use causes unpleasant…

What to Expect from Your First AA Meeting If you have never attended an AA meeting, you may be feeling some anxiety over what you should expect. There are many misconceptions perpetuated by television and film about…

Substance abuse treatment centers are becoming increasingly concerned with the number of older Americans addicted to alcohol. This video discusses the issue of senior alcohol abuse. The concentration of seniors who…

While outpatient programs are helpful for some people, many individuals have a better chance of overcoming addiction if they select an inpatient substance abuse program. An inpatient program eliminates the…

For adults looking to overcome an addiction and improve their overall health, support groups can be an indispensable source of companionship on the road to recovery. These community gatherings help to bring those…

The youngest members of the baby boomer generation are quickly approaching their 50thbirthdays, which indicate how many millions of these Americans are reaching older age. While the senior years typically mean going…

The first step in addiction treatment is recognizing the problem. Often, it is not the addicted person who identifies the issue, but their loved ones. Are you concerned that someone you love may be abusing drugs or…

Could your parent or spouse be suffering from prescription drug abuse? Knowing how to recognize the signs of substance abuse can help you seek treatment for a loved one before he suffers more physical and emotional…

Heroin use is a problem that users often try to conceal, so you may need to approach a friend or family member when you notice the characteristic effects of this drug. At first, you may only notice some slight…

You might know that a friend, coworker, or loved one has an alcohol abuse problem simply by observing him. Perhaps he smells of alcohol or slurs his speech at work. Maybe he hides bottles of alcohol in places he…