Featured Drug Rehab News

Chemical Dependency Articles

• Film highlights drug abuse problem in Staten Island

  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), based on New Yorks Staten Island, is showing a film called Falling as part of its summer 2011 film festival. The film focuses on the growing prescription drug abuse problem and follows a teen sliding deeper into addiction. more...

• More schools institute drug testing

  School districts in East Texas have begun drug testing their students, in the hopes of fighting back against the growing drug abuse problem amongst teens. more...

• Many workers drink and use drugs while on the job

  A far greater number of individuals may use drugs and alcohol while at work or just before arriving at the office or worksite than previously thought, according to a new study published in the journal Addiction. The findings suggest that these individuals may be putting their coworkers at risk unless they seek addiction treatment. more...

• Expert refutes calls to end War on Drugs

  In recent months, representatives from across the political spectrum have called for an end to the War on Drugs. Some have even advocated for the legalization of many street drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. more...

• Limiting branding of cigarettes may do little to hold down addiction

  Whether placing graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging or banning the use of menthol, there have been many ideas floated recently for how to limit cigarette addiction. more...

• Families should be involved in recovery process, expert says

  While family members often play key roles in a drug user's addiction, most people don't know very much about chemical dependency. This interferes with their ability to support their loved one as they progress through addiction treatment. more...

• How effective will new graphic cigarette warning labels be?

  The Food and Drug Administration's regulation that all cigarette packages contain an image depicting the possible health consequences of smoking recently went into effect. more...

• Problems of teenagers may result from poor impulse control

  Teenagers are prone to making risky decisions. In many cases, this leads to substance abuse and addiction that requires treatment at a drug rehab program. A new study suggests that their propensity for dangerous choices may be linked to impulse control issues. more...

• One mother wants new laws to make committing drug addicts easier

  The problem of drug addiction is so intractable because the majority of substance abusers would do nearly anything to avoid the pains of withdrawal. more...

• Parents warned to prevent addiction in their children

  Addiction can be an extremely difficult condition to overcome, and experts commonly say that avoiding chemical dependency in the first place is the best way to prevent its damaging effects. more...

• Vast majority of criminals test positive for drugs

  Drug addiction continues to plague the nation in many ways, putting a tremendous strain on communities. Not the least of the problem caused by substance abuse is crime. more...

• Budget deficits threaten funding for addiction treatment programs

  Despite the fact that cocaine addiction and other forms of chemical dependency are growing in prevalence, many state-funded addiction treatment programs are seeing their budgets reduced, as states work to eliminate deficits. more...

• Culling existing health data could help officials understand teen drug abuse

  A group of researchers from Dalhousie University in Canada has suggested using administrative data to look at trends in adolescent substance abuse. more...

• Rehab program adopts alternative approaches

  In recent years, many researchers looking to improve addiction treatment have focused on developing new medications that end a persons cravings. more...

• Common medication may reduce effects of stress in recovering addicts

  Stress is one of the most common causes for relapse in individuals who are working to recover from cocaine addiction or other forms of chemical dependency. more...

• Rates of drug use trend upwards in Canada

  Troubling signs out of Canada suggest that rates of drinking and marijuana addiction may be rising, according to a new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. more...

• New program could ready more doctors to fight addiction

  The need for more medical professionals with training in addiction is great, but until now there have been relatively few options for individuals to receive specialized instruction in this area. However, the University of Minnesota's Department of Psychiatry is leading an effort to change this. more...

• Girls with ADHD may be more prone to addiction

  Doctors and rehab program professionals have known for some time that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder increases a person's chances of developing a chemical dependency. However, a study indicates that gender may also be an important factor. more...

• Many drug addicts have other issues

  Cocaine addiction and other forms of chemical dependency are often thought of as bodily reactions to certain drugs. Accordingly, many addiction treatment programs work to help people overcome this physical component of substance abuse. more...

• States look to slash addiction treatment funding to close budget deficits

  Faced with the prospect of exploding budget deficits, state governments across the country are considering cutting addiction treatment services. more...

• Drug addicts can come from all walks of life, expert says

  Addiction still carries a stigma that can interfere with a drug user's ability to seek help from rehab programs, but some experts say that these challenges can be overcome by dispelling the myths and stereotypes that surround the addicts. more...

• Different ideas for fighting the war on drugs

  Nearly everyone agrees that cocaine addiction and other forms of chemical dependency are major problems in society. more...

• Drug addiction is more common than most people are aware

  Drug addiction is a pervasive problem in America, but many people have misconceptions about substance abusers. However, experts say that the popular image of a troubled young person lacking in morals is simply inaccurate. more...

• Doctors start new residency to learn more about treating addiction

  Primary care doctors often have the greatest chance of spotting signs of addiction in an individual and helping that person seek addiction rehab treatment. However, the majority of these physicians have received little training in matters of addiction, making them less effective than they could be. more...

• Experts call for reeducation of public in matters of addiction

  With May marking Mental Health Month, many experts are urging health agencies and the public to reconsider what they know about addiction and to make effective treatments for the conditions as available as therapies for physical conditions. more...

• Crime rises as a result of drug addiction

  In addition to destroying the lives of drug users, cocaine addiction and other forms of substance abuse can cause a range of other problems throughout a community. For example, it can also lead to an increase in many types of crime, experts say. more...

• Group seeks to dispel myths about nicotine addiction

  Many people refer to smoking as a habit, putting it in line with other lifestyle choices like hitting the snooze button each morning or leaving the toilet seat up. more...

• Cuts to state-funded addiction programs worry advocates

  Drug rehab program workers in Illinois are expressing concern over the latest budget proposal from the state's governor, which threatens to cut all funding for substance abuse treatment and prevention programs. more...

• Rehab treatment centers find new ways to engage patients

  Drug rehab treatment is generally not a pleasant experience, but some facilities are working to give their patients new experiences that will be entertaining and rewarding in addition to teaching them coping skills during the course of their recovery. more...

• Experts debate appropriate drug sentences

  Despite the fact that cocaine addiction is far more harmful to a person's health than other drugs, courts continue to enforce penalties against users of the substance that are similar to other less dangerous drugs. more...

• Group seeks to break cycle of addiction

  Children whose parents used drugs are significantly more likely to develop a cocaine addiction or other form of chemical dependency. Experts call this the cycle of drug addiction and commonly cite it as one of the main reasons why substance abuse remains rampant. more...

• Legal substance may actually contain illicit drugs

  The risks associated with cocaine addiction and other forms of illegal drug use are well established. However, many new products are being sold over the internet that claim to offer users a legal high. more...

• Addiction can be a major problem in the workplace

  While workplace mental health may not seem like much of a pressing issue, experts say that the number of people who struggle with cocaine addiction and other types of drug dependence suggests that the problem will inevitably become a factor in certain offices and work sites. more...

• Drug courts help addicts overcome dependency

  Cocaine addiction and other types of habitual drug use can be difficult to overcome. However, when a user is given the proper resources and addiction rehab treatment, it is possible to end a drug dependency. more...

• Experts urge more state funding for addiction rehab programs

  Many states across the country are considering pulling back funding for addiction rehab programs as part of efforts to eliminate budget deficits. However, experts say that investing even more in the programs could lead to benefits for addicts as well as state finances. more...

• Supervised injection comes under fire in Canada

  Supervised injection sites have been shown to provide benefit to drug users. Rather than being left to get high on the street, these individuals have a place to go that is safe. more...

• Experts say stigma stands in way of treating addiction

  Despite the fact that drug addiction is a mental illness that can only be addressed through help from rehab programs, many people still view addicts as having made a choice to become drugs abusers more...

• Banning tobacco may cause rehab patients to quit programs early

  Most people are in favor of broader smoking bans, but instituting them at addiction rehab facilities may be a thorny issue, according to a new study from Ohio State University researchers, who found that such prohibitions may increase the number of individuals who leave treatment early. more...

• Researchers search for brain areas affected by addiction

  Marijuana addiction and dependencies on other substances may be a result of preexisting alterations in a person's brain that are out of their control, reaffirming the notion of addiction as a mental illness, experts say. more...

• Addicts sent to prison face dangers during withdrawal

  Many communities across the country are working to establish drug courts to give individuals who have committed non-violent drug offenses a chance to seek help from rehab programs rather than go to jail. more...

• Experts recommend long-term rehab treatment

  Relapse prevention is a long process for many drug and alcohol addicts. Even after trying drug rehab, some have a difficult time staying sober. For this reason, some experts say that more long-term treatment options are needed. more...

• Rising drug rates worry law enforcement officials

  Many crimes that are committed are a direct result of addiction, and experts say that working to prevent substance abuse could lead to a drastic reduction in criminal activity throughout the country. more...

• Conference to highlight benefits of Vivitrol

  Drug rehab programs have come a long a way in recent years. Now, in addition to using cognitive therapy to help resolve many of the problems that led an individual to addiction, new medications can diminish the strength of a person's cravings for drugs. more...

• Diabetes medications may improve addiction treatment

  Two classes of medications used to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels may also be useful in treating addiction, according to two new studies published in the journal Biological Psychiatry. more...

• Co-occurring conditions can complicate treatment process

  Many people who suffer from depression also deal with drug or alcohol addiction. The combination of these conditions can complicate the treatment process, making it more difficult for patients to establish effective relapse prevention efforts. more...

• Low income associated with increased risk of substance abuse and mental illness

  Low income individuals and those who recently had that their salaries decreased may be at a greater risk of suffering from a number of mental illnesses more...

• Young people are still at risk for addiction

  While the most common stereotypes of addicts are of older individuals who have been struggling with the problem for years, younger people can also become addicted. more...

• Drug rehab programs can help states lower overall spending

  While many states across the country are considering eliminating drug rehab programs as part of efforts to close gaping budget deficits, some experts are saying that these programs can actually help states spend less money in the long run. more...

• Personalized drug rehab helps addicts recover, expert says

  Drug rehab treatment that does not address all of an addicts issues may be ineffective and jeopardize relapse prevention efforts, experts warn. Instead, individuals who are looking to end their addiction should seek treatment that is tailored to their own needs. more...

• States look to drug courts to bring down corrections costs

  The cost of sending a drug offender to jail for several years can be astronomical. Given the fact that many states' budgets are in rough shape right now, lawmakers are looking to alternative sentencing programs, which often include drug rehab, to help addicts get clean rather than go to jail. more...

• Amid calls for budget cuts, Florida governor remains firm on drug rehab funding

  While lawmakers in many states across the country are considering cutting drug rehab services as part of efforts to fix bloated budgets, others have said that these programs are untouchable and have vowed to preserve funding. more...

• Drug rehab workers fight back against proposed budget cuts

  Governors in statehouses across the country have proposed budgets that would eliminate funding for much of their addiction treatment services. However, drug rehab professionals in some states are pushing back against these cuts more...

• Battles continue over addiction treatment program budgets

  Add Maine to the list of states slashing spending on addiction treatment services. The state's governor recently proposed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that would trim spending on addiction and mental health services by almost one third, according to the Times Record. more...

• States consider measures to help addicts recover

  It may seem that celebrities who are able to beat their addiction and return to a healthy lifestyle are given second chances. However, average addicts may feel that they are treated more harshly by their communities even after successfully completing drug rehab treatment. more...

• Girls who mix with boys may be more prone to drug and alcohol abuse

  Girls who become friends with boys at an early age are more likely to develop substance abuse problems later in life, which may include addictions that require help from drug rehab facilities, according to a new study published in the Journal of Research on Adolescents. more...

• Unemployed may be more likely to turn to drugs

  As the country continues to struggle with high unemployment, researchers are beginning to notice some unexpected consequences. A new study out of Germany suggests that individuals who have been jobless for extended periods of time may be more likely to suffer from drug addiction and require substance abuse help. more...

• Majority of male drug addicts abuse their partners

  Helping a male friend or family member who is addicted to drugs find substance abuse help may do more than just improve his life. It may help his partner, as well. more...

• Menthol cigarettes may result in more addiction, according to new FDA report

  Adding menthol to cigarettes may make them more addictive and increase the chances that an individual will require therapy from a drug rehab facility to kick their addiction, according to a new report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. more...

• Victimization puts individuals at risk of addiction

  Individuals who have gone through a violent experience are significantly more likely to suffer from addiction and require substance abuse help, particularly if they are a homosexual, according to a new study from the University of Illinois. more...

• Budget struggles make funding addiction treatment a tough choice in some states

  In this climate of budget shortfalls, state and local lawmakers have to make tough financial decisions. While some are working to save drug rehab programs, others believe that they are an unnecessary expense that should be done away with for the sake of budgetary health. more...

• States hang on to drug rehab programs as budget battles loom

  While many states across the country are working to slash the budgets of drug rehab programs in an effort to close gaping budget deficits, others are taking a different approach. The governor of Ohio recently announced strong support for addiction treatment programs, saying that defeating drug use is one of his top priorities. more...

• Drug rehab programs may get lost in state budget battles

  Drug rehab programs are proven to help substance abusers overcome their addictions. However, in the current fiscal climate, many federal and state agencies are cutting their budgets and offering fewer services, which could make it more difficult for addicts to find the help they need. more...

• Georgia looks to reform prison system

  In many states, efforts to deal with addiction have led to severe sentences for individuals found to be in the possession of illegal substances. However, these laws often send to prison addicts who are merely symptoms of a larger problem. This leads to overcrowding of jails and doesn't do much to address the underlying problem. more...

• Men more likely to show signs of addiction

  Men may be more likely to develop an addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling and require substance abuse help, according to data coming from Israeli authorities. However, while women may be less likely to become addicted, their dependencies can be more severe. more...

• Children with ADHD are more likely to suffer from substance abuse problems

  Parents of children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are showing signs of possible drug addiction may want to seek substance abuse help for their son or daughter. A new study published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review found that children with this disorder are significantly more likely to develop addictions as they age. more...

• Researchers develop relapse prevention application for iPhones

  Struggling in your relapse prevention efforts? There's an app for that. more...

• Stigmas persist and stand in the way of recovery, new study finds

  Despite the fact that addiction is widely recognized as a disease, a new study has found that much of the general public still views individuals with chemical dependency problems negatively, which may interfere with their ability to seek substance abuse help. more...

• Drug use shown to cause specific type of brain damage

  Drug addiction, regardless of the substance abused, causes changes in the brain that impair an individual's ability to recognize certain facial expressions and leads to other psychological damage, according to a new study from a team of Spanish researchers. The findings show that failure to seek substance abuse help may result in serious long-term neurological damage. more...

• Federal funding enhances addiction research

  Thanks in part to a set of grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, researchers from one Texas-based university are continuing the search for potential cures for chemical dependency. The findings of their investigations may one day improve the ability of drug rehab programs to help addicts stay away from harmful substances. more...

• Parents pass on smoking habits to their children

  Parents who smoke cigarettes without ever seeking substance abuse help for their addiction may be increasing the risk that their children will also smoke, according to a new study from a team of European researchers. more...

• Research work to develop new pain management drug

  Individuals who are seeking chronic pain treatment but are worried about the risk of addiction that comes with many common medications may soon have a new option. Researchers from Stony Brook University are currently working on a new drug that promises to fight pain with little risk of dependency. more...

• Researchers develop treatment for personality trait associated with addiction

  Most people are aware of the long-term negative consequences of drug abuse. Yet many individuals continue to experiment with substances, eventually needing drug rehab treatment. However, a team of scientists from the Center for Addiction Research in Little Rock, Arkansas believes that identifying those who are at risk and training parts of their brains may reduce the burden of chemical dependency. more...

• Teenage brains are set up to seek pleasure with disregard for consequences

  Adolescent brains may be wired to seek rewarding stimulus, such as drugs, without concern for consequences, according to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh. more...

• Experts advocate for more drug courts

  As the nations addiction epidemic continues to spiral out of control, experts are increasingly saying that law enforcement efforts should focus on providing substance abuse help rather than simple punishment. more...

• Substance abuse help, not punishment, is more effective in dealing with nurses' addictions

  Medical professionals, particularly nurses, are significantly more likely than the general population to struggle with addiction. However, few of these individuals seek substance abuse help because they are concerned about what admitting to an addiction would mean to their careers. more...

• Highly invested workers more likely to experience excess stress levels

  Nearly everyone feels stress at their job every once in a while. However, for some, this stress can be overbearing, eventually leading them to substance abuse, which may require drug rehab treatment. more...

• Tobacco use increases breast cancer risk

  Seeking substance abuse help for smoking habits may be critically important for women, as research continues to connect tobacco to a range of health complications. Recently, a study from Harvard Medical School found that smoking increases the risk of breast cancer. more...

• Few addicts voluntarily seek substance abuse help

  While drug rehab facilities can help individuals overcome addictions, many users fail to take advantage of these resources. In fact, more than one third of drug-related deaths occur in habitual users who have never sought substance abuse help, according to a new report from Scottish authorities. more...

• Many weightlifters abuse performance enhancers and illicit drugs

  A high percentage of male weightlifters use human growth hormone, or HGH, to improve their strength, according to a new study from Harvard researchers. Not only does abuse of this substance cause a range of health complications, the investigation also found that users are more likely take illegal drugs more...

• Bullying causes depression, eventually leads to substance abuse, according to new study

  Children who are bullied are known to be a greater risk of developing depression. However, a new study from University of Washington researchers has shown that girls who become depressed as a result of bullying are more likely to abuse drugs, putting them at risk for addiction and the need for substance abuse help. more...

• Investing in drug rehab programs may help communities balance their budgets

  In this climate of intense fears of budget deficits, state and local governments across the country are looking for programs to cut. However, drug rehab treatment experts have warned that eliminating services that provide substance abuse help could be counter-productive when it comes to reaching a balanced budget. more...

• Few teens with mental disorders are treated

  Despite the fact that substance abuse help and other forms of rehab can improve the condition of those with addiction and mental illness, a new study has found that few adolescents receive treatment for major mental disorders. more...

• Brain chemical involved in signaling hunger may also trigger drug cravings

  A chemical in the brain that signals feelings of hunger during times of starvation may also play a role in triggering drug seeking behavior, according to a new study from Canadian researchers. The findings may have major implications for the relapse prevention efforts of opiate addicts and other drug abusers. more...

• High number of traffic fatality victims test positive for drug use

  The number of individuals killed in driving accidents while under the influence of drugs increased sharply over the past five years, according to a new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drug rehab programs may help addicts avoid becoming a part of this troubling trend. more...

• Bath salts provide legal high but also risk

  Chemically altered bath salts are growing in popularity among individuals who are looking for a legal way to become intoxicated. While they are sold as an ingredient to add to baths for a relaxing experience, reports have indicated that some people are snorting them to get high. more...

• Laws make it easier for some to seek drug rehab treatment

  Rehab facilities can help addicts recover from chemical dependency, but drug abusers are often reluctant to go for treatment. Families can have a difficult time getting addicted members to seek treatment. However, laws in some states may make it easier for families to provide the help that their loved ones need. more...

• Smoking while driving may be harmful to young passengers

  Smokers who have avoided seeking substance abuse help for their tobacco habit may want to consider the harm they are potentially causing to those around them. A new study has found that smoking in the confined space of an automobile can be extremely dangerous to passengers, particularly children. more...

• Researchers develop new understanding of dopamines role in addiction

  New findings about the role that the brain chemical dopamine plays in reward-based learning may be helping researchers come to a better understanding of why some people are prone to opiate addiction and other forms of chemical dependency while others are not. more...

• Anti-drug abuse messages becoming more scarce

  As the number of adolescents and young adults who use drugs goes up, an increasing number are requiring substance abuse help. A new survey has found that a lack of exposure to effective anti-drug messages may play a role in the climbing rates of drug abuse. more...

• Drug rehab facilities report higher enrollment in 2010

  Despite some recent encouraging numbers in the battle against addiction, drug rehab treatment centers are seeing higher numbers of patients than ever before, according to a recent survey. more...

• Parents who smoke may be risking their child's heart health

  Parents who fail to seek substance abuse help for their tobacco habits may be putting more than their own health at risk. A new study has shown that secondhand smoke can cause dangerous elevations in blood pressure among children. more...

• Lawmakers highlight cost of addiction

  Opiate addiction and other forms of substance abuse continue to strain state and local budgets, as law enforcement officials struggle to keep pace with the number of offenders who continue to commit crimes related to their addiction. more...

• Experts debate symptoms of addiction

  Addicts at drug rehab facilities would most likely say that cravings for drugs are a strong component of their chemical dependency. For this reason, "cravings" was recently added as a symptom of drug addiction to the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of Mental Disorders, which is commonly used as the basis for diagnoses of all mental problems. more...

• State lawmakers look to drug courts to control prison population

  In an effort to reduce the number of nonviolent drug offenders who have been incarcerated and bring down the cost of housing them, many state lawmakers are proposing drug rehab programs for those who struggle with opiate addiction and other chemical dependencies. more...

• Medication may boost smokers' chances of quitting

  Environmental cues that have been associated with drug abuse can jeopardize the relapse prevention efforts of any recovering addict, particularly those who are trying to stay tobacco free. However, a new study has found that medications can help addicts avoid these memory-associated cravings. more...

• Substance abuse help may enable smokers to keep New Year's resolutions

  Every January, millions of people across the country pledge to quit smoking. However, due in part to ineffective relapse prevention efforts, many fall back into tobacco use. Despite this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that quitting is worth the effort and comes with many benefits. more...

• Researchers find possible clinical use for hallucinogenic drug

  A little known psychedelic drug may be useful in drug rehab programs, according to a new study from Johns Hopkins University researchers. more...

• Addicted mothers get second chance to raise their children

  Many women mothers who struggle with opiate addiction end up losing their children to social services because they are deemed unfit to care for them. However, drug rehab programs may be able to help these women end their chemical dependencies and regain custody of their children. more...

• CDC distributes funds to help at-risk groups

  Individuals who are in high-risk groups for drug addiction - like young gay men and homeless individuals - may have a difficult time finding a treatment center that fits their needs and can help them begin their recovery. more...

• Meditation may help reduce depression symptoms

  Depression is often a difficult condition to treat. Antidepressants and counseling may provide assistance, but some individuals get little benefit from these services. Patients struggling with depression may benefit from looking into rehab facilities that offer mindfulness meditation classes more...

• Scientists discover molecular process underlying addiction

  Memories are among the strongest triggers of addictive behaviors. Places, activities and certain people can become associated with drug use. When an addict is exposed to these things, they often cause cravings. However, a team of European researchers may have found a molecular switch in the brain that could deactivate this process more...

• Substance abuse treatment programs help inmates recover

  Increasingly, prison systems are working to help inmates who are addicted to opioids recover from their dependencies before sending them back to the streets. When this therapy is followed up by substance abuse treatment after they are released, it can significantly reduce the rate of recidivism. more...

• Limiting tobacco advertisements may reduce the number of smokers

  While rehab facilities may be able to help young people who have become addicted to tobacco quit their habits, it may be simpler to prevent them from starting smoking in the first place. more...

• Public health agencies report troubling teen drug use trends

  In previous generations, opiate addiction was a problem that only affected older, more experienced drug users. However, it is increasingly becoming a problem among younger individuals. A growing number of teenagers are being admitted to drug rehab facilities for heroin addiction. more...

• Addicts turn to meditation to deal with holiday stress

  The anxiety of the holiday season can jeopardize many of the relapse prevention efforts of recovering addicts. However, there are many things that individuals can do to cope with the stress of family gatherings without resorting to drugs or alcohol. more...

• Study: Smoking may cause increased pain in cancer patients

  Following cancer diagnosis, many smokers feel as though they have nothing to lose, and therefore continue to use tobacco. However, a new study has found that these individuals may benefit from substance abuse help to eliminate their nicotine addiction, as smoking worsens pain for cancer patients. more...

• Support from family members may help addicts seek treatment

  Addiction in families can be a difficult problem to deal with. It can strain relationships and force some family members to accept more responsibility than they should have to. However, by providing support, parents and siblings may have a better chance of getting their loved ones into drug rehab, where they may be able to beat their addiction. more...

• Spirituality may not be necessary for recovery

  Many drug addiction treatment facilities feature 12 step programs that place a strong emphasis on the important role finding religion plays in beating addiction. While this may turn off some addicts, including agnostics and atheists, a new study has found that religion may not play such a vital role in these programs after all. more...

• Researcher seeks single remedy for addiction and mental disorders

  Individuals who struggle with addiction also frequently have mental health problems. The prevalence of depression and anxiety among addicts is particularly high. One researcher has speculated that these conditions may have a similar root cause in the brain more...

• New Surgeon General report highlights dangers of tobacco use

  A new report from the U.S. surgeon general states that all forms of tobacco cause damage to the lungs and DNA of exposed tissue. Officials pledged to make getting smokers into substance abuse therapy to lower the rates of tobacco use a top priority for the coming years. more...

• Quitting smoking improves mood

  Individuals may have a lot to gain from seeking substance abuse treatment to help them eliminate their tobacco habits. In addition to reducing the risk of cancer and other health complications, a new study has found that quitting smoking improves mood. more...

• Experts say addiction is a mental disease

  Individuals who seek substance abuse treatment for their addiction stand a much better chance of recovering than those who go it alone. However, too few people realize that drug addiction is a mental illness that is hard to overcome without treatment. more...

• Without appropriate treatment, co-occurring conditions can destroy lives

  Co-occurring mental disorders and drug addictions often require specialized treatment from rehab facilities to overcome. However, many people who struggle with these conditions rarely receive proper treatment. more...

• Addictions often worsen during the holidays

  During the holidays, stress and festivities may lead individuals struggling with addiction to increase their drug or alcohol use. Experts say that family members should watch for the signs of worsening addiction problems and be prepared to discuss sending their loved ones to rehab facilities. more...

• Communities grapple with teen drug use

  Drug and alcohol addiction affects millions of people across the U.S. every year. However, some experts say that the problem is greatest among high school students. Their warnings underscore the importance of seeking substance abuse treatment for any teen suspected of drug abuse. more...

• Parental instincts limit mothers' response to drugs

  While rehab facilities may be vital to helping expectant mothers quit their addictions before giving birth, the findings of a new study suggest that parental instincts may take over after mothers give birth and diminish their cravings for drugs. more...

• Marijuana found to impair cognitive ability

  Recent legislative efforts to either decriminalize or legalize marijuana have led to the perception that smoking a little pot may not be so bad for a person. However, the findings of a recent study from Harvard University researchers shows that the drug can lead to serious cognitive deficits, especially in individuals who begin smoking at a young age. more...

• Smoking rates continue to drop

  Thanks in part to legislative and educational efforts, experts report that the number of smokers may be decreasing. This could have a major impact on the respiratory health of millions of Americans and significantly reduce the number of people who seek substance abuse treatment for their addiction. more...

• Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of birth complications

  Despite the known risks of cigarettes, many people continue their smoking habits. However, the findings of a new study may be enough to convince expectant mothers to seek substance abuse treatment to help them quit. more...

• Holiday celebrations may lead to addiction and injury

  For many people, the holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy time with family. However, some take this partying too far, which may result in a higher rate of substance abuse and drug-related accidents. more...

• Smoking bans reduce pregnancy complications

  Despite the fact that smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of birth defects and other complications, many expectant mothers still find it difficult to kick their habits. In addition to substance abuse treatment, public health efforts may help these women end their tobacco addictions, according to a new study from University of Colorado researchers. more...

• Hospitalizations for drug use skyrocket

  The number of individuals hospitalized for drug use saw a dramatic increase over the last decade, as a failure to seek substance abuse treatment caused many addicts to lose control of their drug use. more...

• Baseball star overcomes addiction

  By now, many people are familiar with Josh Hamilton's story. The slugger has led the Texas Rangers to World Series with his sparkling defense and heavy hitting. While it may seem like he is on top of the world right now, it wasn't too long ago that he hit rock bottom due to drug and alcohol addictions. more...

• Smokers with anxiety disorders may be less able to quit

  Addiction and mental illness often go hand-in-hand. The association even exists at the less severe ends of the substance abuse and mental health spectrums. For example, a recent study found that individuals who have a history of anxiety disorders are more likely to struggle with nicotine addictions. more...

• Drug courts help addicts turn their lives around

  It wasn't an easy two years for Matt, one of the recent graduates of a drug court program in the Midwest, according to the Daily Gate City. However, after taking part in the initiative, which included mandatory substance abuse treatment rather than jail time, he has managed to stay off of drugs and away from crime. more...

• Courts to decide on tobacco's addictiveness

  Despite overwhelming evidence to suggest that smoking cigarettes can cause addiction that requires substance abuse treatment, tobacco companies still maintain that their product is not addictive. more...

• TV and film star honored for raising awareness of addiction and mental health

  Hollywood is generally more likely to glorify drug use rather than an individual's efforts to seek substance abuse treatment or avoid unhealthy behaviors altogether. However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration will soon honor those writer and directors who hold up sober living as a positive example. more...

• Grants help fund treatment program for veterans and Native Americans

  Army veterans and Native American are significantly more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol than the general population, studies show. However, the federal government is working to ensure that these individuals have access to substance abuse treatment that could help them end their addictions. more...

• Implantable medication may increase odds of successful addiction treatment

  The medication buprenorphine is becoming an increasingly popular substance abuse treatment option for individuals who are addicted to opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. However, care providers have noticed that misuse and abuse of the medication is common when it is administered in traditional forms. more...

• Co-occurring conditions may require new solutions, group says

  Addictions rarely occur in a vacuum. Many individuals who struggle with chemical dependency also have some type of mental disorder. These co-occurring conditions are often difficult to overcome, and may require special treatment from addiction treatment centers. more...

• Experts call for greater control over tobacco industry

  Tobacco dependency is one of the most prevalent forms of addictions. Millions of people across the U.S. are unable to kick their habit, resulting in many smoking-related deaths and increased need for individuals to seek therapy from treatment facilities. more...

• As drug-related crime rises, authorities work to find alternative solutions

  When a man recently broke into a local pawn shop to steal jewelry, cash and guns, he wasn't looking for a quick way to pay his rent or put food on the table for his family. He was looking for a way to feed his drug habit, according to WVIR-TV News. more...

• Brain changes linked to addictive behavior

  Addiction to drugs or alcohol can cause major changes to the brain's circuitry that result in an addict's drug-seeking behavior. However, a new study has found that individuals may be able to reverse these changes with the type of therapy that is offered at addiction treatment centers. more...

• Events help support addicts' recovery

  Individuals who struggle with addiction often find it difficult to admit their problems publicly. This can make it difficult to seek help from rehab facilities, which could greatly increase their odds of kicking their habits. more...

• States consider cutting addiction treatment programs

  Most experts say that state-run addiction treatment centers and programs are a vital way for drug abusers to get the help they need to eliminate their habits. However, as states across the country struggle with falling revenues, many are considering eliminating their recovery programs. more...