It is obvious to anyone paying attention that the United States has a major problem with drug addiction and overdose. Nearly half a million American lives were lost to drug overdose between 2000 and 2014. Our government’s decades-long war on drugs notwithstanding, the statistics are clear: according to the Centers for Disease Control, the number …

Mood disorders such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) pose risks for individuals who are trying to overcome alcohol abuse or drug addiction. Since mood disorders often cause people to self-medicate in an attempt to rid themselves of unwanted feelings and thoughts, it’s not unusual for recovering addicts to relapse when they suffer a bout of …

Substance abuse is a growing problem. It is also a multifaceted problem. Sadly, over 40 million people suffer from some form of addiction, whether it is dependence on alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs. Although substance abuse is a global problem, it presents a particular challenge for the United States. With no more than 5 …

Young adults are far more likely than older Americans to suffer from drug and alcohol abuse problems. With more than 1 in 5 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 using illegal drugs, and nearly 60 percent drinking alcohol, it’s clear that young people are an at-risk population. College students, in particular, are …

Addiction is a complex yet common problem. Drug and alcohol addiction have far-reaching impacts, affecting all members of the family—for this reason, it is often called a family disease. Addiction can create enormous stress and chaos for families and often leads family members to change their behavior in maladaptive ways. Researchers previously believed that addiction …