Addiction Symptoms & Effects

Glossary definition of the term psychosis

Clear, concise definition of addictions, including substance and behavioral addictions. Includes examples of addictive behaviors and defining characteristics of dependence.

Describes physical, emotional and mental processes involved in quitting and addictive behavior.

Explains the difference between addictions and compulsions.

DSM-IV-TR criteria for substance dependence

Details symptoms experienced by addicts with dependencies and signs observed by concerned others.

Describes the process of having a professional assessment and diagnosis of an addiction, including what to expect and how you will be treated.

You've made it as far as the assessment meeting. Get the most out of the diagnostic process by following these tips for an accurate diagnosis.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a serious complication of heavy drinking or alcoholism, caused by malnutrition.

Injecting yourself with drugs poses a high risk of collapsed veins.

Drugs can causes hepatitis by damaging the liver. Read about drug-induced hepatitis from about.com's hepatitis guidesite.

Details of alcoholic liver disease from about.com's hepatitis guidesite.

Cirrhosis of the liver is a well-known complication of alcoholism, but it had other causes as well. Read about how cirrhosis is caused, how it affects your functioning, and how it can be treated and managed from about.com's hepatitis guidesite.