Addiction

Addiction can come in many shapes and sizes. Learn about the different types of addiction and how to help yourself or others.

Youngest Child Syndrome: The Perks and Challenges of Being the Baby of the Family

Only Child Syndrome: Understanding the Myths and Realities of Growing Up Without Siblings

Unlocking the Mysteries of Seeing Dead Loved Ones in Dreams

How Living in Total Darkness Sabotages Your Sleep

What Causes Nightmares, and How Can You Lessen Them?

For 64 Percent of Kids with ADHD, Food is the Cause

Can food allergies cause ADHD?

Do You Have a Fear of Long Words?

Trypanophobia: When the Fear of Needles Has You Stuck

Thalassophobia: Do You Fear the Deep Ocean?

3 Key Steps to Finding the Right Therapist for You

How Maladaptive Daydreaming Can Take Over Your Life

STUG: When Grief Hits Like a Bolt Out of the Blue

Lifelike Robo Pets Help Seniors Combat Loneliness

Insights on Alzheimer's From the Long-running Nun Study

Is there a link between concussions and dementia?

Youth Suicides Rose After FDA Added Antidepressant Warnings

Here's How You Help a Friend With Depression

'Gloomy Sunday:' The Song Linked to More Than 100 Suicides

Picky Eating in Adults Is a Diagnosable Disorder — Really

10 Facts About Eating Disorders

What's the Difference Between a Sociopath and a Psychopath?

Digital Hoarding Could Be Harmful to Your Mental Health

Which Jobs Have the Highest Suicide Rates?

Demon Face Syndrome: A Rare Neurological Disorder

Hear Sounds When Watching Silent Videos? It Might Be Synesthesia

When Wisecracks and Puns Are Symptoms of Brain Damage

Learn More

Ultra-processed Foods Are Addictive by Same Criteria as Tobacco

Can ultra-processed foods really be considered addictive? Or are people just overindulging in foods that they like?

By Ashley Gearhardt

When Does Belief in a Conspiracy Theory Like QAnon Tip Into 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

HowStuffWorks: What is Jessie's Law?

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

Can body modifications be addictive?

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

Is fast food addictive?

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

10 Strange Addictions

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

By Maria Trimarchi

Dealing With Addiction While Pregnant

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

10 Addictions You Might Not Know You Have

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

10 Ways to Cope with an Addict in the Family

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

First Steps: How to Get Help for Yourself or Someone Else

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?

Are depressed people more prone to addiction -- and why?

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