Long-term use of painkillers is rarely a necessity, but teens and young adults often get prescriptions and then develop a hard habit to kick. Youths with mental health disorders are even more at risk for developing a pill habit.

College is a tough time of transitions and self-exploration for many students. But students feeling depressed may be self-medicating instead of seeking the help they need.

Substance abuse is hard on the brain and wallet. The consequences can be more than physical and emotional. They can be financial too.

Ready for some good news about teenagers and smoking and drinking? Kids in the U.S. are doing less of both than their peers across the pond.

Babies born ahead of their time might need more than tiny clothes. They may also require parents to be more vigilant for signs of developing mental illness in their children.

When researchers suggest that kids who listen to their music too loudly are more likely to drink and do drugs, the first thought might be that researchers are uptight.

Teens have a tough time hearing warnings from parents and authority figures. Research shows computer education might be the best way to reach kids about the dangers of alcohol and drug use.

Conflicting evidence makes it tough to know exactly why some kids drop out of school because of drinking and drugs and other kids stick with it. Alcohol may be riskier than smoking pot when it comes to drop out rates.

Despite the disturbing images being added to cigarette packs and the Surgeon General's warnings against smoking while pregnant, some women are lighting up while pregnant anyway.

Methadone is a common replacement therapy drug treatment for heroin addiction. The cost per dose of diacetylmorphine may be higher, but overall health care costs are lowered.