Prescription Medication 4 min read
Sleeping Pill and Z-Drug Dependence
Z-drugs and other sleeping medicines can produce tolerance, dependence, rebound insomnia, next-day impairment, and loss of control in some users.
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Addiction Guides
Evidence-led guides about substances, behaviors, treatment, recovery and family support.
Prescription Medication 4 min read
Pregabalin and Gabapentin Misuse and Dependence
Pregabalin and gabapentin are prescribed for selected conditions but can be misused and may cause dependence or withdrawal. Sedation and overdose risk…
Prescription Medication 4 min read
Prescription Stimulant Misuse: ADHD Medicines and Other Stimulants
Prescription stimulant misuse includes taking medication without a prescription, using a different dose or route, or using it for wakefulness, weight loss,…
Prescription Medication 4 min read
Codeine Dependence and Addiction
Codeine is an opioid that can cause tolerance, dependence, opioid use disorder, and overdose. Combination products may add toxicity from paracetamol/acetaminophen or…
Prescription Medication 4 min read
Tramadol Dependence and Withdrawal
Tramadol is an opioid with additional effects on serotonin and noradrenaline. Dependence, opioid use disorder, seizures, serotonin toxicity, and a mixed withdrawal…
Prescription Medication 4 min read
Antidepressant Discontinuation vs Addiction
Antidepressants can cause discontinuation symptoms when stopped or reduced, but they do not typically produce the intoxication, craving, and compulsive reward-seeking pattern…
Prescription Medication 4 min read
Prescription Drug Addiction: Types, Warning Signs and Treatment
Prescription drug addiction can involve opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, sedatives, or other medicines. The key issue is not whether a drug was prescribed,…
Detox and Withdrawal 4 min read
What Is Medical Detox?
Medical detox is the assessment, monitoring, and treatment of intoxication and withdrawal while a person stabilizes. It is a phase of care,…
Detox and Withdrawal 3 min read
Inpatient vs Outpatient Detox
Inpatient detox provides 24-hour support, while outpatient detox allows the person to remain at home with scheduled review. Neither is automatically better;…
Detox and Withdrawal 3 min read
Detox Timeline: What Affects Withdrawal Duration?
Withdrawal timelines vary according to the substance, formulation, dose, duration, frequency, metabolism, health, previous withdrawals, and use of other drugs. A calendar…
Detox and Withdrawal 3 min read
Is Home Detox Safe?
Home detox can be appropriate for selected low-risk patients with clinical assessment, reliable support, medication oversight where needed, and a clear escalation…
Detox and Withdrawal 4 min read
Detox vs Rehab: What Is the Difference?
Detox manages acute withdrawal and stabilization. Rehab is a broader program addressing behavior, health, mental health, relationships, routines, relapse risk, and long-term…