Substance Use and Disorders is a MedlinePlus topic index that brings together information about alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and related health concerns. It includes entries for specific substances, substance use disorders, treatment, pregnancy, and young people. For readers unsure where to begin, the index provides several ways to find a more focused topic.
The MedlinePlus Substance Use and Disorders index is a navigation resource, rather than a screening tool or treatment guide. Understanding how its entries are organized can help individuals, parents, caregivers, and others locate information relevant to their questions.
Finding Information on Substance Use and Disorders
A useful starting point is the name of the substance or concern. The index lists broad topics such as Alcohol, Cannabis, Drug Use and Addiction, and Prescription Drug Misuse. It also includes more specific entries, including Cocaine, Heroin, Inhalants, Methamphetamine, Club Drugs, and Anabolic Steroids.
Many entries use a “see” reference to direct readers to another topic. These references help connect familiar or alternative terms with the heading used in MedlinePlus. They are directions for finding information, not a personal assessment of someone’s substance use.
Recognizing alternative names
For example, Marijuana and Medical Marijuana point to Cannabis. Alcoholism and Alcohol Dependence point to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Prescription Drug Abuse points to Prescription Drug Misuse, while Vaping points to E-Cigarettes.
Some terms lead to more than one topic. Amphetamines points to Club Drugs and Prescription Drug Misuse. Opiates points to Heroin and Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). When an entry offers multiple destinations, the topic titles can help readers choose which page best matches their question.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Topics
The alcohol-related entries distinguish between Alcohol, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Treatment. Underage Drinking is listed separately. Binge Drinking directs readers to both Alcohol and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
Drug-related topics include both broad information and substance-specific headings. The index also lists Dual Diagnosis, though the index itself does not explain that topic. Readers need to open the relevant topic page for its educational content rather than rely on the heading alone.
Tobacco-related entries include Smoking, Smokeless Tobacco, E-Cigarettes, Smoking and Youth, and Quitting Smoking. Terms such as Chewing Tobacco, Dip, Snuff, and Spit Tobacco all direct readers to Smokeless Tobacco.
Information for Young People and During Pregnancy
Readers seeking age-specific information can look for Drugs and Young People, Underage Drinking, or Smoking and Youth. Adolescent Drug Use and Teen Drug Abuse both point to Drugs and Young People. College Drinking points to Alcohol and Underage Drinking.
Pregnancy-related headings include Pregnancy and Substance Use, Pregnancy and Opioids, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Smoking in Pregnancy and Alcohol Abuse in Pregnancy direct readers to Pregnancy and Substance Use. These entries provide a route to pregnancy-focused information rather than only general substance topics.
Treatment Topics and Professional Questions
The index separately lists Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Treatment and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment. It also includes Safe Opioid Use, Opioid Overdose, and Quitting Smoking. Choosing a specific heading helps distinguish a search about treatment from one about a substance or another concern.
The supplied index does not provide diagnostic criteria, symptom checklists, medication instructions, or individualized treatment recommendations. It therefore cannot establish whether someone has a disorder or which care they need. Questions requiring a personal diagnosis, medication decision, or treatment plan belong in a discussion with a qualified health professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the index explain how to diagnose a substance use disorder?
No. It lists topics and cross-references, but does not supply diagnostic criteria or a personal assessment.
Where can I find treatment-related topics?
Look for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Treatment, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) Treatment, and Quitting Smoking.
Are there topics specifically for parents or pregnant readers?
Yes. Entries include Drugs and Young People, Underage Drinking, Smoking and Youth, Pregnancy and Substance Use, and Pregnancy and Opioids.
