Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive substance seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her. Although the initial decision to abuse substances is voluntary for most people, the brain changes that occur over time challenge a person's self control and ability to resist intense impulses urging him or her to use substances.
Learn More About Addiction »
Substances
There are a myriad of substances which can be abused or misused, all of which have dangerous health implications. While many drugs are illegal, some legal substances can be bad for you in large quantities or if taken incorrectly.
Learn More About Substances »
Treatments
Scientific research has shown that treatment can help drug-addicted individuals stop drug use, avoid relapse and successfully recover their lives. Based on this research, 13 fundamental principles that characterize effective drug abuse treatment have been developed.
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Getting Help
Friends and family may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increases chances for successful treatment. Many treatment options and informational resources are available for members of the military community.
Learn More About Getting Help »
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9/12/2016
The Military Health System is helping the military community fight back against the dangers of unneeded, unused and expired drugs
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6/2/2016
The app is intended to support patients where they do not have immediate access to their health care providers but have questions about appropriate use of their prescription medication
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10/23/2015
Besides the health risks to the lungs and heart, as well as the cancers it causes throughout the body, smoking poses some significant risks to women’s abilities to have babies.
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Showing results 1 - 7
Page 1 of 1