Substance abuse can take many forms, from the misuse of legal products (e.g., alcohol, prescription medications) to the use of illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, marijuana). Because of parallels regarding addiction and dependence, smoking is also often considered a type of substance abuse or drug abuse. Substance abuse treatment includes detoxification, medications to psychotherapy.
Alternative names FAS Definition Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a collection of growth and brain development problems in newborns. Fetal alcohol syndrome is caused by heavy alcohol use by the mother during pregnancy. What is going on in the body? The effects of FAS have been recognized for thousands of years. The condition was first …
Health effects of alcohol The health effects of alcohol have been debated for hundreds of years. The consensus today is that alcohol, like many things in life, can be either beneficial or damaging depending on how it’s used. After much investigation, researchers still share uncertainty about the benefits of alcohol, and whether benefits from modest …
Alcohol And Disease Health information on alcohol can be confusing. Studies have suggested that moderate drinking may prevent heart disease. But this is balanced by the many potential health problems of over use. The amount of alcohol consumed is the most important factor. All researchers agree that any health benefits from alcohol are derived only …
Binge Drinking Among long-term alcoholics, binge drinking may be reserved to describe a period of continuous alcohol drinking that endures for several days or longer, sometimes called “going on a bender.” More accurately, “binge drinking” describes any day or occasion in which five or more drinks are consumed. Binge drinking can be dangerous. It can …
Summary Drug abuse is the habitual misuse of a drug. This includes the use of illegal drugs, or the use of prescription medications for non-prescribed purposes. It can also include the use of substances such as nicotine and/or alcohol. Some people who abuse drugs become addicted. This involves the uncontrollable craving and misuse of drugs, …
