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 ess

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

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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...

basic principles of health required by all: sleep, nutrition, exercise, sunshine, and positive content.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine...

Because substance use disorder is a progressive disease, intervening in the early stages greatly improves outcomes.

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

Patients are diagnosed with a specific type of disorder based on the primary substance that they misuse.

Research has shown that the words we use to describe SUD and recovery have a significant impact on those struggling and how they are treated

Healthcare providers often categorized conditions as either chronic or acute. So what’s the difference?

by Jessica Hulsey Addiction and the Brain According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a medical disorder that affects the brain and changes behavior. NIDA is a center within the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) that focuses on addiction. There are separate institutes within the NIH that focus on major health conditions like cancer, heart disease and infectious diseases. The researchers and scientists at NIDA advance the science of how to p

Addiction is a medical disorder that affects the brain and changes behavior. Addiction Policy Forum's infographic on addiction and the...

As addiction develops and progresses, it affects brain function, and a person’s ability to control their use diminishes.

The DSM 5 has eleven criteria for substance use disorders based on decades of research. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental...

Understand the key facts and figures around addiction and download our infographic. Download Infographic An excerpt from Navigating...