Home HealthTopics Health Centers Reference Library Research
Join us on Facebook Join us on Facebook Share on Facebook
Share

Addiction and Substance Abuse

An "invisible line" can be drawn between substance abuse and addiction, also called substance dependence. Substance abuse is a behavior, something people do. And lots of people do it. In some age and race groups, more people abuse substances (such as alcohol or other mood-altering drugs) than do not. Our society approves of substance abuse, and sometimes even encourages it. Advertisements, movies, and other media would have us believe that abusing substances - getting drunk or high - can be funny, cool, or even sexy. Most people who abuse substances do so when they are young, and most grow out of that stage in their lives.

Some of the people who abuse substances, though, will cross the "invisible line" to become addicted or dependent. Some estimates say (More)

Understanding Addiction and Substance Abuse

  • Alcohol Facts for Teens
  • CAGE questions
  • Do You Need Help? What Is A Family To Do?
  • Drug Testing
  • Helping Teens Make Good Choices
  • How can I tell if I might be addicted to alcohol and other drugs
  • Insomnia: How to Get a Better Night's Sleep
  • Marijuana Facts for Teens
  • Raising a Drug-Free Family
  • Raising a healthy family
  • (More)

    • Commonly Asked Questions

  • Are There Any Consequences of Inhaling Rubbing Alcohol?
  • Can My Neighbors Smell My Smoke?
  • Can You Suggest a Science-Based Treatment for Alcoholism?
  • Can You Treat Dilaudid Addiction without Rehab?
  • What Are the Effects of Drug Abuse on Memory?
  • What Are the Side Effects of Cocaine Use?
  • What Behavior Should I Expect from a Toddler Whose Mother was an Addict?
  • Why Do I Have Constant Cravings after Quitting Crack?

    • Additional Information

  • Symptoms and Tests
  • Treatment
  • Complications
  • The Body
  • Research Studies

    • Ask an Expert

    Most Recent Questions

    Symptoms of a Recovered Addict Are What?
    How Do I Know if I Took Drinking to Far?
    Am I Permanently Damaged from Crack?
    Is It Possible He Is Using Cocaine?
    Klonopin Discontinue Problems

    More | (This area is not currently accepting questions)

    Meet one of our experts:

    NetWellness Expert Cathy McDaniels-Wilson Cathy McDaniels-Wilson, PhD
    Other Experts

    Get Help With ...

    Staying Healthy
    Finding Low-Cost and Free Medical Care
    Finding Low-Cost Dental Care
    Non-English Websites
    Research
    (More)

    Related Topics and Conditions

    Alcoholism
    Bipolar Disorder (Children and Adolescents)
    Cannabis (Marijuana) Intoxication
    (More)