Author name: Dr. David Cundiff, M.D.

We tend to think of the teenage years as a time of experimentation. Kids tend to try on various activities and identities. While testing limits and exploring different roles is definitely a necessary part of growing up, these can easily lead to dangerous pastimes, including teen substance use. As a parent, relative or friend, it’s […]

Ask five people to define addiction, and you might get five different answers. However, one of the beliefs that people commonly have is that addiction is a choice. In fact, medical professionals and scientists now know addiction for what it truly is: a disease with concrete symptoms that treatment can help with. Define Addiction Using

Many people assume that women rarely develop a drug or alcohol addiction. However, the truth is that women are just as susceptible to alcohol addiction as men. In fact, new studies show that women are even more susceptible to alcoholism in some cases. Fortunately, alcohol treatment centers for women do exist. Learn more about how

Xanax is a drug taken that millions of Americans use. Often, Xanax can be extremely helpful for individuals going through difficult times in their life. However, the side effects of Xanax can be extremely dangerous. Below, we’ll outline what the side effects of Xanax are and how to watch out for them. We’ll also discuss

Painkiller abuse has become an epidemic in the United States. Unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult for individuals to stop abusing painkillers, strongly due to the withdrawal symptoms. Below, we’ll discuss various painkiller withdrawal symptoms to watch out for as well as how to get treatment. Why Do People Develop Addictions to Painkillers The painkillers that individuals

There’s no question that drug addiction is one of the biggest health problems facing the United States today. For a variety of reasons, more and more people are turning to drugs. Some do so to deal with work or general life stress. Others succumb to peer pressure and find that they enjoy the high. Whatever

On the street, you can buy study drugs. These are the prescriptions doctors typically give for ADHD. They include Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin. If one of these drugs has you hooked, here’s what you need to know. Who Uses Study Drugs? Students in high school or college are at high risk. They look to study

What causes someone to take up hard drugs? In some cases, there’s prior drug use. With marijuana use becoming more accepted, one might wonder: is marijuana a gateway drug? And why is this topic so difficult to discuss? What is a Gateway Substance? Is marijuana a gateway drug? To find out, it makes sense to

You’ve heard of the opioid crisis. Maybe you’re a part of it. Perhaps you worry about a loved one. Therefore, what are the different types of opioids, and how can you overcome an addiction to them? Prescription Painkillers vs. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief For the average head or muscle ache, over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough.

Alcohol has caused problems in your relationships and on the job. You’re ashamed of the way you act when drunk. However, quitting drinking sounds painful. If you can’t envision yourself without the drug, here’s what you need to know. An Alcohol Use Disorder has Three Stages What makes quitting drinking so tricky is that it’s