fundamentals
Understanding Addiction: How Substance Use Disorder Develops
A plain-language guide to how addiction develops in the brain, the signs of substance use disorder, and the evidence-based paths to recovery.
June 8, 2026
Guides & Articles
Evidence-informed, medically reviewed guides on addiction, withdrawal, treatment, and recovery.
access (3)
co-occurring (3)
detox (3)
family (3)
fundamentals (3)
populations (3)
recovery (3)
safety (3)
signs (2)
treatment (5)
access
Does Health Insurance Cover Rehab? A Plain-Language Guide
Most health plans must cover addiction treatment under federal parity and the ACA. What is covered, what you may still pay, and how to check your benefits.
June 18, 2026
treatment
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab: How to Choose
A plain-language guide to inpatient and outpatient rehab - how the levels of care differ, who each one fits, what they cost, and how to choose the right setting.
June 18, 2026
treatment
Levels of Addiction Treatment: From Detox to Outpatient
A plain-language guide to the levels of addiction care - detox, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient - and how to know which fits.
June 18, 2026
co-occurring
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Addiction and Mental Illness
When addiction and a mental illness occur together, treating both at once works best. A plain-language guide to dual diagnosis and integrated treatment.
June 8, 2026
safety
Fentanyl Test Strips: How They Work and Their Limits
A plain-language guide to fentanyl test strips - what they detect, how they fit into harm reduction, what a result does and does not mean, and where to find help.
June 8, 2026
fundamentals
Is Addiction a Disease? What the Science Says
Leading health agencies call addiction a chronic, treatable brain disorder - not a moral failing or lack of willpower. Here is what that means and why it matters.
June 8, 2026
recovery
Mutual-Support Groups: AA, NA and SMART Recovery
A plain-language guide to mutual-support groups - how AA, NA, and SMART Recovery work, what the evidence says, and how to choose the right fit for you.
June 8, 2026
populations
Rehab for Pregnant Women: Safe Treatment for You and Baby
Why getting treatment during pregnancy protects both mother and baby, what the standard of care is, and how to find confidential, nonjudgmental help.
June 8, 2026