NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse
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Sara Bellum Blog

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to go for the facts about drugs. At NIDA, we learn from science—not from rumors or gossip. Ask the questions, look for the facts, and think hard about what you find out and what it means for you.

Brain neuron

Shedding Light on New Techniques for Treating Addiction


Sara Bellum
May 23, 2013

When our brains are healthy, we barely notice this marvel of engineering that controls our every thought, feeling, and move. But the many people suffering from brain disorders, including addiction, know that malfunctions in the brain can change who we are and how we manage our lives. Read More »

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Cory Monteith

“Glee” Star Continues Path to Recovery From Drug Addiction

Sara Bellum
April 30, 2013

Recovery from addiction doesn’t mean completing a rehabilitation program and then you are cured. Addiction is a brain disease that requires commitment and effort every single day to stay off drugs. It can also mean more than one round of treatment—and usually does. Read More »

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Young man trying to help friend who is passed out from alcohol

Some Consequences Last Forever: Alcohol Awareness Month

Sara Bellum
April 25, 2013

In the past 5 years, Danny McCoy has told this story to thousands of teens: When he was 19 years old, he drove home from a fraternity party after a night of drinking. He fell asleep for only a few seconds. Read More »

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Two girls sitting on bench, one is smoking

Secondhand Smoke: You’re Exposed to More Than You Think

Sara Bellum
April 23, 2013

Many of us don’t realize how much secondhand smoke we inhale each day. We tend to forget about the person smoking outside a restaurant or sitting on a park bench. People’s smoking in the apartment next door affects us as well. Read More »

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New arrival written in chalkboard

A New Look for NIDA for Teens

Sara Bellum
April 18, 2013

Facebook isn’t the only Web site that gets a makeover now and then. Read More »

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Calendar marking when someone is going to quit smoking

The Ability To Quit: Written in Your Genes?

Sara Bellum
April 16, 2013

The relationship between genes and addiction is complex. Read More »

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