Addictions and Substance Use

Contents:

  1. Gambling
  2. Substance Use/Abuse
  3. Alcohol
  4. Caffeine
  5. Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
  6. Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping
  7. Marijuana / CBD
  8. Opioids
  9. Prescription and Synthetic Drugs

vector icon of a pair of dice1. Gambling


Articles/Fact Sheets:

When Gambling Might be a Problem
The article explains gambling addiction.

 


vector icon of drugs and alcohol2. Substance Use/Abuse


Websites:

Easy-to-Read Drug Facts
This website contains facts about drugs, drug abuse, addictions and treatment. The website is maintained by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

Articles/Fact Sheets:

Tips for Talking to Teens About Drugs and Alcohol (also Español)
This article presents tips to help effectively communicate with teenagers about drugs and alcohol. 

How to Recognize Signs of Substance Abuse (also Español | MP3 )
This article discusses signs of substance abuse (such as alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs) and steps individuals can take to get help for themselves or someone they care about.

Denial: The Primary Roadblock to Addiction Recovery
This article describes common attitudes and beliefs that people struggling with addictions have about their substance use and talks about how to support them to recover.

Finding Quality Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
This article discusses first steps to take in finding a qualified treatment center for substance use/abuse.

Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Youth
This article describes the association between substance use and sexual risk behaviors in adolescents. It gives common risk factors and methods for prevention.


vector icon of a glass of wine3. Alcohol


Articles/Fact Sheets:
 

Think Before You Drink: Play it Safe with Alcohol (also Español)
This article discusses safe practices for drinking alcohol.


vector icon of a cup of coffee4. Caffeine


Articles/Fact Sheets:
 

Caffeine: Don’t Let Your Pick-Me-Up Drag You Down (also Español | MP3 )
This article discusses the unexpected and potentially negative effects of caffeine use.


vector icon of a lit cigarette5. Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco


Articles/Fact Sheets:

Tips for Teens: Tobacco Use
This infographic addresses the health risks associated with tobacco use.

Top Ten Tips to Quit Smoking (also Español)
This document outlines tips for quitting from counselors at the California Smokers’ Helpline.

Find resources for quitting within the UC Davis community

Apps:

QuitGuide

QuitGuide LogoIOS: Free | Android: Free

"QuitGuide is a free app that helps you understand your smoking patterns and build the skills needed to become and stay smokefree. Use the app to track your cravings by time of day and location, and get motivational messages for each craving you track."

quitSTART

quitSTART app logoIOS: Free | Android: Free

"The quitSTART app is a free smartphone app that helps you quit smoking with tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges."


vector icon of a vape pen6. Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping

Electronic smoking devices include e-cigarettes, JUULs, vapes, tank systems, mods, e-hookahs, etc.


Articles/Fact Sheets:

Electronic Cigarettes: What's the Bottom Line? (also Español)
This article explains what e-cigarettes are and common misconceptions surrounding them.

Information for Parents, Educators, and Health Care Providers: E-Cigarettes Shaped Like USB Flash Drives
This fact sheet describes what "juuling" is, the safety risks associated with it, and what parents, educators, and health care providers can do to intervene.

Juul E-Cigarettes
This infographic gives information about JUUL and the health risks associated with it.


vector icon of a cannabis leaf7. Marijuana / CBD


Articles/Fact Sheets:

Tips for Teens: The Truth About Marijuana
This infographic addresses the health risks associated with marijuana use.

Talking With Your Child About Marijuana: Keeping Your Kids Safe
This brochure gives tips for parents to engage their children in conversations about marijuana use.

What You Need to Know About Marijuana Use and Pregnancy
This fact sheet gives information about how marijuana can affect pregnancy, your baby's health after birth, and breastfeeding.

What is Legal for Adult Use in California? (also Adult Use Cannabis Penalties)
This article gives information about using, carrying, and growing cannabis under California law.

Medicinal Use of Cannabis in California (also Medicinal Use Cannabis Penalties)
This article gives information about California's medical cannabis laws.


vector icon of a pair of pills8. Opioids


Articles/Fact Sheets:

Opioids: Get the Facts
This graphic gives some facts about short-term usage of opioids and their effectiveness for pain relief.

If You Are Prescribed Opioids, Learn How to Reduce the Risk of Addiction
This article describes what opioid addiction is, the factors that increase the risk of overdose, and what to expect when taking prescription opioids.

Preventing an Opioid Overdose
This fact sheet describes how an overdose can occur, signs and symptoms of opioid overdoses, and how to respond if you think someone is overdosing.

Pregnancy and Opioid Pain Medications
This fact sheet discusses how opioid pain medications can affect pregnancy.


vector icon of a prescription drug bottle9. Prescription and Synthetic Drugs


Articles/Fact Sheets:
 

Talking to Your Kids About Prescription Drug Abuse
This infographic gives practical advice for parents to talk to their teenagers about using prescription medications safely. It describes the signs of prescription drug abuse, outlines misconceptions teenagers may have about prescription drugs, and offers resources to learn more.

Synthetic Drugs: ‘For Sale’ Doesn’t Always Mean it’s Safe (also Español | MP3 )
This article explains what synthetic drugs are and their dangers.