Substance Abuse and Addiction Medical Reference

Amyl nitrate, also known as poppers, were a popular party drug years ago and are now making a comeback. Learn more about these recreational drugs.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat movement disorders, epilepsy, and OCD. But does it work for addiction to opioids or other substances?

What is fentanyl, why is it so addictive, and how can you manage withdrawal from it?

If you’re thinking about asking for help with drug or alcohol addiction, that’s great news. Here are some of the people you can reach out to.

Opioid testing checks for traces of opioids in your urine, blood, or saliva. Learn more about opioid drug tests.

When a family member is addicted to opioids, it’s best to be nonjudgmental and supportive. Here’s how to help a family member with opioid addiction.

If you have an opioid use disorder, you could be lacking in certain nutrients. Here’s what to know about vitamins and supplements for improving your health and helping you with opioid withdrawal.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) therapy might help with addiction and withdrawal symptoms when you have a substance use disorder. But it’s costly and not proven to work.

When you’re ready to cut back on opioids, it’s best to taper slowly to avoid symptoms of withdrawal. Find out when to taper and how to do it safely.

How are naloxone and naltrexone different? And when is each used to help people who take opioids?

Clinical trials and research studies could help scientists develop effective treatments for those struggling with opioid misuse or addiction.

Opioid relapse can happen when you’re trying to beat the addiction. Learn how to stop an accidental overdose if you start using again.

During opioid addiction recovery, you may have a relapse. To avoid this, it’s helpful to be aware of your triggers and understand how to avoid them.

Early intervention can help to prevent a substance use disorder from getting worse. Learn where to find these services and get help before specialty care is needed.

If you’re addicted to opioids, you’ll need behavioral therapy or counseling and medicines to help you stop. Learn more about treatment.

What happens at a meeting of Narcotics Anonymous? Here’s what to expect from a meeting and how this program can fit into your substance abuse recovery plan.

Find out how suboxone reduces opioid cravings, helps manage withdrawal, and prevents overdose or relapse.

Health disparities in substance use disorder treatment make it harder for some to get proper care. Learn more about inequity in addiction treatment.

Mixing opioids and benzodiazepines can be a dangerous combination. Here’s what to know if you take both of these drugs.

After a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb, they go through neonatal abstinence syndrome. Learn symptoms and possible long-term complications.

Substance abuse and substance use disorder are more likely to affect trans and nonbinary populations. Find out why, and how to get help.

Who’s at risk for opioid addiction? Statistics show how the opioid epidemic affects different age groups, ethnicities, and genders.

Buprenorphine as part of medication-assisted therapy (MAT) may help you avoid overdose and prevent relapse. Here’s what you need to know about this drug.

Tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction do not mean the same thing, although we may use the words interchangeably. Learn the difference.

Lack of money doesn’t have to prevent you from getting help with addiction. Here’s how to get services even if you’re uninsured.