ADDICTION A-Z

Addiction A - Z

Addiction is a medical disorder that affects the brain and changes behavior. The medical term for addiction is substance use disorder. There are proven prevention, early intervention, and treatment options available.

Addiction A-Z Key Topics

Prevention & Risk Factors

Treatment & Recovery

Types of Substance Use Disorders

Addiction & the Brain

For Caregivers & Families

Dispelling the Myths

Featured Topics

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Prevention

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Treatment & Recovery

Caregivers & Families

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Addiction

Facts

Types of SUD

Types of Substance Use Disorder

When a person has trouble controlling their drinking despite negative consequences, they may have an alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol

Opioids are a class of drug that includes the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers.

Opioids

Stimulants include illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as prescription drugs such as Ritalin® and Adderall®

Stimulants

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is the most-used substance in the US after alcohol and tobacco.

Marijuana

Sedatives, including tranquilizers and hypnotics such as Xanax®, Valium®, are substances that can slow brain activity.

Sedatives

Hallucinogens are a diverse group of drugs that alter perception thoughts, and feelings.

Hallucinogens

Addiction and the Brain

Overview

Protect Your Brain

Video: What Brain Imaging Reveals

Addiction is a Brain Disorder

Brain

Caregivers

For Caregivers & Families

enCompass Training

enCompass is a resource for family members who are trying to navigate the complex world of addiction and help loved ones achieve recovery.

Addiction 101 Free eCourse

Understand the basics of addiction, including how it affects the brain, and how addiction can be prevented and treated.

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Navigating Treatment and Addiction: A Guide for Families

The guide includes basic definitions, as well as in-depth information about substance use disorders, treatment options, communication strategies, and self-care tips.

Addiction: Dispelling the Myths

The Hijacker

Learn about how substance use disorders (SUDs) affect tissue function in two main parts of the brain.

Whirlpools of Risk

People have different risk factors that make them more vulnerable to developing SUDs.

Understanding Severity

There are 3 levels of severity: mild, moderate, and severe—also known as an addiction.

Don't Wait for Rock Bottom

Substance use disorders get worse over time. The earlier treatment starts the better the chances for long-term recovery.

Myths