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Substance Abuse

Learn about substance abuse

Photo of a woman talking with a health professional

Substance abuse is using drugs or alcohol in a way that harms you or that leads you to harm others, like your family or friends. People abuse alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or over-the-counter drugs. Even using tobacco can be considered substance abuse. People who abuse drugs or alcohol can also become addicted to them. If you think you might have a substance abuse problem, our topics can give you the support you need to help you quit. And if you're worried about someone else, you can find tips in our topics for providing support to others.

For more information, see our substance abuse topics, such as:

More Information

Health Topics
Abuse: Risk Factors for Being Abused Al-Anon Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Alcohol Abuse: Other Health Problems That May Occur Alcohol and Drug Problems Alcohol and Drugs: When to Get Help for an Intoxicated Person Alcohol and Substance Abuse in PTSD Alcohol Effects on a Fetus Alcohol or Drug Use During Pregnancy Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Anabolic Steroid Abuse Antianxiety Medicines for Alcohol Withdrawal Benefits of Quitting Alcohol or Drugs Blackouts Caused by Alcohol or Drugs CAGE Questionnaire for Alcohol Problems Cocaine Comparing Nicotine Replacement Methods Comparing Stop-Smoking Medicines Date Rape Drugs Diabetes and Alcohol Drinking and Your Health Drug Abuse and Dependence Drug Problems: Helping Someone Get Treatment Ecstasy (MDMA) Electronic Cigarettes Fetal Alcohol Effects: Behavior and Learning Problems Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Caring For Your Baby Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Signs That Your Child Needs to Be Evaluated Health Risks Related to Smokeless Tobacco Helping Your Child Avoid Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol Heroin Ideas to Help You Cut Back On or Stop Using Alcohol Inhalant Abuse Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse Interactive Tool: Do You Have a Drinking Problem? Interactive Tools John's Story: Crossing the Smoke-Free Finish Line Linda's Story: Quitting Smoking Improves Cholesterol LSD Making a Plan to Help Someone Get Treatment for an Alcohol Use Problem Marijuana Medical History for Alcohol Problems Medicines That Interact With Alcohol Methamphetamine Nancy's Story: Quitting Smoking Takes More Than Willpower Narcotics Anonymous Nate's Story: Sick of Smoking Nicotine Gum Nicotine Inhaler Nicotine Patches Physical Signs of Alcohol Dependence Planning for Alcohol or Drug Relapse Questions About Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Quick Tips: Cutting Back On Drinking Quick Tips: What to Do When You Crave Nicotine Quit-Smoking Programs Quitting Smokeless Tobacco Quitting Smoking Quitting Smoking and Avoiding Smoke During Pregnancy Quitting Smoking: How Family and Friends Can Help Quitting Smoking: How Support Groups Can Help Quitting Smoking: Temptations and Cravings Quitting Smoking: Your Social Life Residential Treatment for Substance Abuse Risks of Smoking Cigars and Pipes Saying No to Alcohol and Drugs Seizure Medicines for Alcohol Withdrawal Signs of Drug Abuse Signs of Substance Use Smoking Fewer Cigarettes Smoking Journal Smoking Triggers Smoking: Choosing a Good Time to Quit Smoking: Health Risk for Family Members Smoking: Heart Attack and Stroke Risks Smoking: Impotence and Fertility Problems Smoking: Problems With Pregnancy Sponsor's Role in Alcohol or Drug Recovery Substance Abuse and Mental Health Problems Substance Abuse in Older Adults Substance Abuse Support Groups: Being an Active Member Substance Abuse: Staying Alcohol- or Drug-Free After Treatment Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse Teen Smokers: Reasons to Quit Teen Substance Abuse: Choosing a Treatment Program Teen Substance Abuse: Signs at Home Teen Substance Abuse: Signs at School Teen Substance Abuse: Signs in Your Teen's Friendships Teen Substance Use: Making a Contract With Your Teen Tobacco Use in Teens Worried About Addiction?

Medical Tests
Blood Alcohol Self-Test for Breath Alcohol Toxicology Tests

Medications
Acamprosate for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Buprenorphine for Drug Dependence Disulfiram Methadone for Drug Abuse

Make a Wise Decision
Quitting Smoking: Should I Use Medicine?

Take Action
Alcohol Problems: Helping Someone Get Treatment Alcohol Problems: How to Stop Drinking Quitting Smoking: Coping With Cravings and Withdrawal Quitting Smoking: Dealing With Weight Gain Quitting Smoking: Getting Support Quitting Smoking: Helping Someone Quit Quitting Smoking: Preventing Slips or Relapses Substance Abuse: Dealing With Teen Substance Use

Credits

By:

Healthwise Staff

Last Revised: August 24, 2011

Medical Review:

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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