Psychoactive drugs are substances that affect the brain. The types range from heroin to caffeine. These substances can affect awareness, thoughts, mood, and behavior. Depending on the situation, the ...

Addiction is a complex disease, but nearly a century of scientific study has helped researchers come to a deeper understanding about how it works. This research has culminated in an important change ...

Addiction is an emotional subject—and a notoriously touchy term for understandable reasons. Whether you or a loved one are struggling with substance misuse or addictive behaviors that can affect ...

Substance-related disorders are common, affecting 40.3 million people over the age of 12 in the United States. Addiction may involve the use of prescribed drugs, such as opioid painkillers, common ...

Substance use disorder makes it hard to stop using substances even when they're harmful. Using the term "substance use disorder" helps separate the person from the treatable illness. Substance use ...

Experts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham provide insight and resources on how substances like drugs and alcohol can impact the brain. The purchase and consumption of alcohol and substances ...

A study of nearly 10,000 adolescents has identified distinct differences in the brain structures of those who used substances before age 15 compared to those who did not. Many of these structural ...