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Evidence-led information · Clinical editorial standards
Evidence-led guides about substances, behaviors, treatment, recovery and family support.
Opioid use disorder can involve heroin, illicit synthetic opioids, or prescribed pain medicines. Its defining features are impaired control, craving, hazardous use,…
Cannabis can feel calming to some people yet worsen panic, paranoia, dissociation, or psychotic symptoms in others. Risk is not the same…
High-potency cannabis products and concentrates can deliver more THC quickly, making dose control harder and increasing the likelihood of acute anxiety, impairment,…
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a pattern of recurrent severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain associated with prolonged cannabis exposure in susceptible people.…
Cannabis detox means stopping use and supporting the body and mind while intoxication resolves and withdrawal settles. Most care is supportive, but…
Cannabis withdrawal can include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbance, vivid dreams, reduced appetite, low mood, headache, and abdominal discomfort after frequent use…
Inpatient detox provides 24-hour support, while outpatient detox allows the person to remain at home with scheduled review. Neither is automatically better;…
Some people use substances to manage hyperarousal, intrusive memories, shame, pain, or sleep disturbance after trauma. Substance use can then create further…
Depression and substance use can intensify one another through sleep disruption, isolation, loss, withdrawal, impaired judgement, and reduced engagement with care.
Anxiety can precede substance use, result from intoxication or withdrawal, or become part of a reinforcing cycle in which short-term relief creates…
Dual diagnosis means a substance use disorder occurring alongside a mental-health condition. Integrated treatment is usually preferable because each condition can affect…
The period after detox is a high-value treatment window and, for opioids, can also be a high-overdose-risk period. Continuing care should begin…