by Jessica Hulsey In my book Understanding Addiction, I dig into key topics about addiction and answer common questions that family members and caregivers have about substance use disorders (SUD), the medical term for addiction. It isn’t an excerpt from a medical textbook or a scientific journal. Instead, I’ve sat down with physicians and researchers in the addiction field to translate the science into understandable terms that I hope you find helpful. A Medical Condition The

Join us on June 11, 2026, for a webinar exploring the science of addiction and models of recovery for substance use disorders. This webinar will begin with a foundational overview of the neurobiology of addiction, highlighting how changes in the brain shape behavior, decision-making, and vulnerability to relapse. Speakers will explain environmental cueing—such as the influence of people, places, and experiences—and its powerful role in triggering relapse. Building on this fou

As cannabis products have evolved, so too have the risks—especially for young people. Today’s cannabis products contain far higher levels of THC than in previous decades, with some products reaching up to 80-90% THC. This shift is raising concerns due to its association with increased risk of addiction, mental health challenges, and psychosis. In this Ask the Expert explainer, Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Stanford REACH Lab at Stanfo

May 19, 2026 | 1:00 PM EST There is ongoing research to develop effective, sustainable, and scalable strategies to prevent the initiation of substance use and its progression to substance use disorders, as well as prevent other related health consequences. Evidence-based prevention interventions - particularly those implemented at key developmental stages can have a profound and lasting impact. In addition to reducing substance use, prevention approaches can improve long-term

Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) | Health Risks Explained

Understanding your relationship with alcohol can be challenging, especially when the signs of a problem aren’t always obvious. This guide walks through the DSM-5 criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder in a simple, question-based format to help you recognize potential warning signs. You’ll also learn how severity is measured—mild, moderate, or severe—and explore practical next steps, including cutting back, seeking support, and finding treatment options.