Overview: Alcoholism involves a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol, characterized by compulsive drinking despite harmful consequences. It can lead to severe health issues like liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and neurological damage.

Treatment: Comprehensive approaches including detox, behavioral therapies, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are commonly used.

Overview: This includes addiction to both prescription painkillers (like oxycodone and hydrocodone) and illegal opioids (like heroin). Opioid addiction significantly affects the brain's reward system and is associated with a high risk of overdose.

Treatment: Treatments often involve a combination of counseling and behavioral therapies.

Overview: Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that causes an intense rush by releasing high levels of dopamine in the brain. It's highly addictive and can lead to severe physical and psychological effects, including aggressive behavior and psychotic symptoms.

Treatment: Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and Motivational Interviewing, alongside community support and recovery programs.

Overview: Heroin, an opioid drug, is known for causing euphoria but also leads to serious health risks like infectious diseases and overdose. It quickly builds tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect.

Treatment: Behavioral therapies and addressing Post-Acute Withdrawals Symptoms (PAWS) which help manage withdrawal symptoms and maintain sobriety.

Overview: Cocaine is a stimulant that increases levels of dopamine in the brain circuits, leading to various psychological effects like extreme happiness and energy, mental alertness, and hypersensitivity to stimuli.

Treatment: Often treated with therapeutic methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps modify the patient's drug-use expectations and behaviors, and teaches coping mechanisms.

Overview: Crack cocaine delivers an immediate and potent euphoria, resulting in severe psychological dependence. Its effects are shorter but more intense than cocaine.

Treatment: Focuses on intensive outpatient programs that include behavioral therapy, support groups, and possible medication to manage depression or other co-occurring disorders.

Overview: Involves drugs prescribed for pain, anxiety, or ADHD but used in a manner not intended by a doctor. This includes taking larger doses or using someone else’s medication.

Treatment: Combines potential detox and counseling, along with long-term follow-up to prevent relapse.

Overview: Includes drugs like synthetic cannabinoids, hallucinogens, and other emerging designer drugs. Each has unique effects and potential harms.

Treatment: Generally involves detox, individual and group counseling, and long-term behavioral therapies tailored to the specific addiction.