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The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic disorder of the reward, motivation and memory system in the brain. In 1956, addiction was officially classified as a disease by the American Medical Association. Today, the terms addiction, chemical dependency, substance abuse and substance use disorder are often used interchangeably and reference the misuse of alcohol, drugs and other mood-altering substances. Addiction is a chronic condition that impacts various aspects of your life including your health, relationship with others and personal development and growth. Like other disease, it is a treatable disease.

Toradol and Tramadol are both prescription medications used for the treatment and management of pain. They may sound like similar types of medication, but they are in fact, very different. Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that treats pain and inflammation. Think of a prescription-grade Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Tramadol is an opioid pain-relieving medication that also treats and manages pain. Both medications are only available through a prescription and both are effective medications when used per the recommendation of your medical provider. However, when abused, both medications can result in significant side effects both short-term and long-term.

Xanax or its generic name alprazolam, belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax is often prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Benzos like Xanax are one of the most commonly prescribed and commonly abused prescription drugs due to their high potency and high risk for dependency. Because of this Xanax has become a popular recreational drug with some people using illicit versions that can be cheaper or easier to obtain compared to the prescription drug.

Nicotine is a type of stimulant substance most often found in tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars and vape pens. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and contributes to nicotine addiction with direct links to cancer. The rate at which a person can show signs of nicotine dependence and addiction will vary from person to person. On January 15, 2025, the FDA announced a proposed rule that would require the tobacco industry to lower nicotine levels in cigarettes. The idea originated during the first Trump administration and then pushed again by the Biden administration and anti-smoking advocates who want to limit nicotine in cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products to make them less addictive and easier to quit.

Rum and Coke. Irish coffee. Jagerbombs. Vodka Red Bull. Espresso martini. These are all popular drinks that consist of a combination of alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Alcohol and caffeine have been a popular drink combination for decades. Mixing the two can make a person feel like they have increased energy from the caffeine while still enjoying the calming effects of the alcohol. The combination of the two substances can mask the effects of alcohol, making a person feel like they can drink more leading them to become even more impaired. Though the combination of alcohol and caffeine can lead to dangerous outcomes, can it kill you?

More and more children and adults are now being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a mental health disorder that consists of symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus and being easily distracted by external stimuli. Prescription stimulant medications such as Adderall and Dexedrine are commonly prescribed to help treat symptoms of ADHD. Adderall is comprised of a combination of different amphetamine salts including dextroamphetamine and amphetamines. Dexedrine only contains dextroamphetamine.

With the future of U.S. health care still very uncertain, former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy calls for Congress to require health warning labels that inform consumers of the links between alcohol consumption and risks of cancer. Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer behind tobacco and obesity. There are already warning labels stating the risks for pregnancy and motor vehicle operation. The Former US Surgeon General is now urging Congress to include a third risk label, the risk of cancer.

Gabapentin has become one of the most popularly prescribed as well as popularly used prescription medications in the U.S. The anticonvulsant is used to help treat seizures, restless leg syndrome, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve pain and others for other off-label purposes such as fibromyalgia and migraines. It is generally a well-tolerated medication with a very low risk of dependence and abuse. Prescription use of gabapentin has significantly increased throughout the past decade with recent studies showing a growing trend in illicit use, abuse and accidental overdose-related deaths associated with the drug.

Some of the most addictive mind-altering substances can fall under two main categories of drugs: stimulants and depressants. These types of drugs interact with a person’s central nervous system and throw off the chemical balance of the body and brain producing both physical and psychological impact. Stimulants work by speeding up activity in the brain and body. Depressants work in the opposite and slow down physical functions and cognitive processing. There are in fact many different classifications of drugs. However, the two most commonly known types of addictive drugs are stimulants and depressants.

Alcohol and underage drinking is nothing new. In fact, alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances among teens, adolescents and young adults, according to data and research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is due to many factors, which include accessibility, availability, and social and cultural influences. Underage drinking is responsible for more than an estimated 4300 deaths each year. According to a 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 33.1% of people between the ages of 12 to 20 years old, reported having tried drinking alcohol at least once in their lifetime. This accounts for about 12.6 million people in the U.S. On a global scale, 22% of males and 5% of females reported binge drinking during their adolescent years.