Addiction
Historically, addiction has been defined as physical and/or psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco, heroin, caffeine and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.
Addiction Stories
There has been an increase in calls to U.S. poison control centers related to kratom exposure — here are the potential risks of the herbal supplement.
Certain types and doses of sleep medication come with a few possible health risks. These may occur during sleep, the day after, or on a long-term basis.
To what extent is the excessive use of social media comparable to substance addiction? This is what psychologists, researchers and studies have to say.
It is important to watch out for warning signs of inhalant abuse, especially for parents of young teens who are a particularly vulnerable group.
Are you a shy/introverted type of person? You may be experiencing the worst of hangover anxiety or "hangxiety," according to a new study from the UK.
Life expectancy in the United States has dropped yet again, partially fueled by a rise in drug overdoses and suicides, according to a new government report.
The health effects of playing video games have been a subject of much debate. Here's what science says about the effects they might have on our brains.
Indoor tanning is not a healthy alternative to getting a tan under the sun. Experts explore the risks of the practice, which include a lot more than skin cancer.
In a new study said to be the first of its kind, people reported facing two to five days of withdrawal-type symptoms like addicts do when they try to quit drugs.
As a response to repeated binge drinking, different genes were affected in the brains of male and female mice. The new study specifically looked at the brain region linked to addiction.
Experts believe that by categorizing both suicide and substance-related poisonings under deaths by self-injury, patients can benefit from combined and coordinated efforts of prevention.
Some pet owners may be intentionally hurting animals to gain access to opioids, the FDA warned, citing a recent survey on Colorado veterinarians.