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Addiction

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Addiction

The activities, chemicals, and processes that can prove physically or psychologically addictive are vast. Products containing nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine; illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin; gambling; sex; and even video games are known to cause dependence. In this guide we’ll connect you with the Web’s top resources on different types of addictions, along with general resources for getting addiction help.

Background on Addiction

An addiction is a strong, overpowering urge to abuse a particular substance or engage in a particular activity. This physical or emotional dependence causes addicts to seek fuel for their addictions in compulsive ways, often sacrificing some combination of health, safety, relationships, employment and financial stability. In this section we’ll show you Web sites that introduce the scientific underpinnings of addiction and overview issues such as causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Dulcinea's Insight

  • The best places to go for information on addiction in its different forms are the Web sites of national health institutes, addiction treatment centers, support groups, mental health organizations and online-only health sites. This directory from Web of Addictions is a great place for browsing these types of sites.
  • General health sites, like those found in the findingDulcinea Health Web Guide have articles covering different kinds of addiction. Most all include information on drug addiction, with some also covering compulsive gambling, sex addiction, alcoholism, and others.
  • When searching for information on addictions, whether with general or health-specific search engines, increase your chances of turning up quality information by specifying the type of addiction you’re looking for. The more focused you are in your search, the better. For example, if you’re looking for information on cocaine addiction, don’t simply search drug addiction. And if you’re looking for online gaming addictions, search those terms, not the more broad “Internet addiction.”

Dulcinea's Picks

For an overview of addiction …
The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia has an overview of drug addiction and dependence. Find a definition; an overview of causes, incidence and risk factors; symptoms broken down by drug; an introduction to treatment; and more.
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TeensHealth has information for teens on addiction. It includes advice on preventing addiction and on seeking help if affected. Use the tabs on the right side of the page to find similar addiction articles (addressing teen alcohol, nicotine and steroid abuse) and additional substance abuse resources (other useful Web sites).
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Drug War Facts has a chart the compares the addictive qualities of nicotine, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, caffeine and marijuana. Look for comparisons of the strength of the dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, reinforcement and intoxication of each substance on a six-point scale.
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For treatment information …
Recovery Connection is a “private referral network” designed to help drug users and addicts get the help they need. Learn about individual drugs and get advice on where to go for help in treating your specific addiction. Look for other resources, such as information on interventions, rehabilitation and detox information, and drug information.
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment” section offers a scientific perspective on drug abuse treatment that’s easy to understand, even for nonscientists.
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To find a specialist or facility …
The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) has more than 500 members throughout North America. Locate NAATP members by state or organization, or view a complete member list.
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The American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders has resources for locating an addiction specialist if you or a loved one needs treatment. Visit the search page to find an addiction specialist in your area.
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a “Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locater” to help you find a treatment program in your area. Select your state, enter the name of your city and the distance you’re willing to travel, and the locater produces a list of centers with contact information, location on a map and detailed descriptions of the services provided.
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