Addiction

About half of all Americans believe at least one conspiracy theory. But what's the difference between believing a theory and being addicted to it? And how can you help someone you think might be in too deep?

By Nathan Chandler

Experts can't help noticing that people who are now addicted to opioids are characterized as victims, while crack addicts were labeled as criminals. Is race the reason?

By Dave Roos

Although internet addiction is classified as a national epidemic in some Asian countries, the U.S. has been slower to make that assumption. But is that caution justified?

By Dave Roos

What is Jessie's Law, and why might it help the opioid epidemic?

If you can't make it through the day without a piece of chocolate, are you addicted to sugar? The jury's out on whether sugar addiction is truly an addiction, but there are ways anyone can become less dependent on the other white stuff.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Addiction manifests in many different ways. Substance abuse, compulsive gambling, shopping addiction -- but is it possible to become addicted to tattoos or piercings? Find out the psychology behind addiction and body modification.

By Debra Ronca

Drug and alcohol addiction are huge problems throughout the world. Yet many dangerous myths persist about addicts – no, they don't have to hit bottom before getting help. And they're not all weak-willed.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

The idea of food addiction is relatively new, but researchers say the struggle is real — especially when it comes to greasy, delicious fast food. So what's the science behind those cravings?

By Alison Cooper

Substance abuse, dependency and other addictive behaviors affect the lives of millions of Americans. Read this guide about addictive disorders and dependence.

By Maria Trimarchi

What strange addictions are some people compelled to do? Learn about 10 strange addictions here.

By Maria Trimarchi

Lots of people love to shop -- it's fun to get shiny new things. But when does your shopping habit qualify as a problem?

By Maria Trimarchi

Discovering that you're pregnant while battling addiction is scary, but you're not alone. Find out how to get the help that you and your baby need.

By Laurie L. Dove

It's not always easy to tell when someone you know and love is becoming a drug addict or alcoholic. Learn more about how you can know when someone is an addict in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

When most people think about addictions, they think about alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Some addictions, though, are common behaviors that people just can't control. Did you know you could have an addiction and not even realize it?

By Caitlin Uttley

Addiction can wreak havoc on a family. From learning about addiction to setting boundaries, we have 10 coping strategies to help families facing this insidious disease.

By Maria Trimarchi

Often addiction is kept secret, but the longer it goes unnoticed, the stronger it becomes. Here are seven signs you should look for if you suspect someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

By Emilie Sennebogen

If a beloved family member or friend is in the throes of drug or alcohol addiction, it's very likely that you want to help them. But where do you start?

We know that double cheeseburgers can lead to heart disease and a propensity for sugar to diabetes. But does your love of cigarettes have anything to do with the blues?

By Molly Edmonds

Get the facts about addiction with the help of our addiction center.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Do you or someone that you know suffer from an addiction? Find out what an addiction is and how you can treat it.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Do you know what the signs are for addiction? Take a look at this list of addictions and their symptoms in this article.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Learn about the difference between being addicted to pain medication and being dependent on it in this article.

By Scott Fishman, M.D.

Nasal decongestants help many of us get through the workday while we're sick. But why would they be addictive?