Background on 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. Use the Addiction Web Guide to find the Web’s top resources on different types of addictions, along with general resources for getting addiction help.

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Background on Addiction

An addiction is an 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. Use the sites below to find background information on addiction, including issues such as causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Insights for Addiction

The Web sites of national health institutes, addiction treatment centers, support groups, mental health organizations and online health sites offer excellent information on addiction. 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.

Top Sites for Addiction

For an overview of addiction …

MedlinePlus has an overview of drug addiction and dependence.

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TeensHealth has information for teens on addiction. It includes advice on preventing addiction and on seeking help. Find more articles on addiction and additional substance abuse resources.

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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 addiction 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.

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National Institute on Drug Abuse offers a scientific perspective on drug abuse treatment that’s easy to understand, even for nonscientists.

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To find an addiction specialist or facility …

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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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.

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Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration has a search tool 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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Drug Abuse and Addiction

A 2005 study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that almost 20 million Americans, more than 8 percent of the population over the age of 12, use illicit drugs (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and illegitimately prescribed drugs). The findingDulcinea Drug Abuse and Addiction Web Guide covers all aspects of substance abuse, including how to treat it, how to prevent it and how to find support.

Alcoholism

Alcohol consumption by adults is legal and socially acceptable in most parts of the United States. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to consume healthily and responsibly, and alcoholism is a prevalent condition. The findingDulcinea Alcoholism Web Guide gives you to access the Web's top resources on the subject.

Nicotine and Tobacco

If you’re thinking about quitting smoking or chewing tobacco (or are trying to convince someone else to quit), then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found the best Web sites to help you understand why you should quit, determine the best way to do it and find support to help you along the way and keep you from restarting. Make the findingDulcinea Quit Smoking Web Guide your first step.