Illness & Conditions

Finding support, treatment and recovery

8 million Americans struggle with a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use. Today, one shares her powerful story.

Finding help for alcohol use disorder

A psychiatrist shares insights into the science, red flags and how to find help

How to recognize signs of substance use — and how to help

Amid rising rates of relapse and overdose, clinicians offer tips for loved ones

Overdoses drop, but opioid challenges remain

Clinicians cite success of Narcan programs, while warning of rising danger posed by fentanyl

Researchers mine data to explore ‘epidemic’ of vaping illnesses

Boston scientists introduce new digital tools to address the outbreak

Addict at 11, activist at 16: Drug Story Theater cast member Emily Hamilton is in the role of her life

This year, veteran news columnist Peter Gelzinis is chronicling the journey of Emily Hamilton, from childhood substance use to a lifesaving connection with the groundbreaking Massachusetts recovery program Drug Story Theater. Following is the first installment of this special BCBSMA News Service series.

How Drug Story Theater helped a lonely girl blossom

This year, veteran news columnist Peter Gelzinis is chronicling the journey of a brave teen, from childhood substance use to a lifesaving connection with a groundbreaking Massachusetts recovery program

An opioid toolkit program for employers

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Just ask Dr. Ken Duckworth. He credits a team of Philadelphia librarians with inspiring a toolkit that may save the lives of employees who overdose on opioids at work.