AddictionsInfo Center

Global Look at Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder and symptoms are found throughout the world, but people throughout the world may not have access to mental health treatment.
What Does Your Self Portrait Say?
It can be hard to open up to a stranger, even your own doctor. Some individuals find it easier to express themselves through drawing and writing. Doctors are now able to assess individuals for eating disorders by having them draw a self portrait.
Do Food Additives Make Foods Addictive?
What makes foods addictive? Why do we crave a candy bar or milkshake and not a steak or an orange?
Is Psychosis a Side Effect of Smoking Marijuana?
Healthcare providers have learned that psychosis can be caused by either genetics or environmental triggers. A recent study suggests that smoking marijuana may be one of those environmental factors causing the onset of psychotic symptoms.
Is This Marlboro Country?
The Marlboro man's rugged, macho cowboy image certainly did sell a lot of cigarettes. He had men thinking, "Let's move to Austin, get on a horse and buy some cigarettes."
A Genetic Answer for Alcoholism
In a recent study, researchers examined how genetic risk factors effect the brain and human behavior. The research found individuals who carry the GABRA2 gene often act on impulse, and may develop alcoholism.
Thrill-Seeking Pain Management
Adolescents who start smoking are probably trying it to take a step on the wild side and leave their childhood behind, while adults who become addicted to nicotine tend to be managing their stress.
Traumatic Brain Injury Leads to Major Depressive Disorder
Having a traumatic brain injury is a scary, life changing event. It is now known that the risk of developing major depression during the first year after a brain injury is quite high.
100 Proof Gene Links
Why one person is inclined to drink more than another, isn't because they are just thirstier. Until now, alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the liver, was the only gene known to contribute to drinking style.
Violence and Bipolar Disease
Previous research argued that patients with bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive disorder, are more likely to be violent. Is this increased violence due to the bipolar disorder alone, or caused by other aspects of the individual's behavior?