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

Cannabis use is a growing public health concern as cannabis use becomes more common across the United States. While many people perceive cannabis as low-risk, regular or heavy use can lead to a cannabis use disorder (CUD) and a range of negative physical, mental, and social health outcomes. Cannabis Use Disorder by the Numbers An estimated 64.2 million people aged 12 or older in the U.S. used cannabis in 2024, a roughly 20.7% increase from 2021. [1] In 2024, 20.6 million peop

Explore facts and statistics on alcohol use disorder, including health impacts, mortality, and treatment gaps in the United States.

Understanding the science of substance use disorders (SUD), including prevention, treatment, and recovery, is critical to how individuals and communities respond to addiction. Yet despite decades of research, misconceptions about SUDs remain widespread, shaping not only how people think and act towards individuals who are struggling, but also how patients seek care. Strengthening addiction literacy—the ability to access, understand, and apply information about SUDs—is essenti

A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence examined the relationship between childhood adversity, genetic risk, and the severity of withdrawal symptoms from tobacco, alcohol, and opioids. The study used data from more than 10,000 participants collected through a multi-site collaboration across academic institutions, including Yale University, UConn Health, the University of Pennsylvania, the Medical University of South Carolina, and McLean Hospital. “ACEs are an i

As fentanyl continues to impact communities at an unprecedented rate, understanding its potency and dangers is critical to reducing harm....

Teen developed and narrated video explainer on protecting the adolescent brain Narrated by Conner Nickel Research shows that 90% of...

Throughout the last decade there has been a sharp increase in methamphetamine and cocaine use as well as cocaine and methamphetamine...

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