Genetics can play a part in whether you have problems with alcohol. But many other factors also have an influence.

If you drink, you most likely want to drink reasonably and responsibly. But what are the factors that can help you keep a check on your blood-alcohol content so you don't embarrass yourself or, worse, hurt yourself or others?

It's important to understand how alcohol and drugs can affect your health and well being.

The extent of alcohol's effect on the central nervous system depends upon how much is in your blood and how much blood you have.

LSD, also called acid, is one of the most commonly used hallucinogens or psychedelic drugs.

On the street, GHB is used for is ability to produce a feeling of euphoria and hallucinations.

Ecstasy, or MDMA -- also called "Adam," "E," or "XTC" on the street -- is a synthetic, mind-altering drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties.

Knowing about marijuana can help you recognize its use in children and others and help a user seek treatment.

Methamphetamine is related to the legal stimulant amphetamine, but has stronger effects.

Ecstasy, GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine are some of the so-called club drugs used by teens and young adults at nightclubs and raves -- all-night dances.

Cocaine use ranges from occasional to compulsive. There is no safe way to use the drug.

Until recently, heroin was not considered a problem among children of middle-class parents. But lately, it has been showing up in new places.

Three kinds of prescription drugs are potentially addictive: opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants.

Although it’s dangerous to take a prescription medication without a prescription, abusing such medications is the fastest growing type of drug abuse in the United States, outpacing marijuana abuse by a factor of two, according to some studies.

Codependency is an emotional and behavioral condition. It affects a person’s ability to have healthy, mutually satisfying relationships.

People who become addicted to drugs or alcohol typically go through predictable stages of abuse. Understanding these stages can help you recognize a problem and seek help before substance use becomes an addiction.

Substances frequently abused by adolescents include alcohol, marijuana, and amphetamines. Some teens are at higher risk of developing substance-related disorders.

When addicted, the drug user will do just about anything to obtain the drug.