Addiction 3 min read
What Is Addiction? Signs, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Addiction is a treatable health condition characterised by impaired control, continued use despite harm, and changes in priorities or behaviour. It is…
Editorial library
Addiction Guides
Evidence-led guides about substances, behaviors, treatment, recovery and family support.
Addiction 3 min read
Addiction vs Dependence vs Tolerance: What Is the Difference?
Tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction overlap but are not interchangeable. A person can be physically dependent on a prescribed medicine without compulsive…
Addiction 3 min read
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder can affect control, health, relationships, work, finances, and safety. No single sign proves a diagnosis, but clusters of change…
Addiction 3 min read
Why Addiction Happens: Risk Factors and Protective Factors
Addiction develops through an interaction of substance effects, genetics, development, mental health, trauma, environment, access, and learning. Risk is not destiny.
Addiction 3 min read
How Addiction Is Diagnosed and Assessed
A good addiction assessment examines what is used, how, why, and with what consequences, alongside withdrawal risk, physical health, mental health, medication,…
Addiction 3 min read
How to Help Someone With an Addiction
The most useful approach combines concern, clear observations, practical treatment options, boundaries, and emergency planning. Confrontation, humiliation, or arguing while the person…
Addiction 4 min read
Addiction Treatment: What Works and How Care Is Matched
Effective addiction treatment is individualised, evidence-based, long enough to address the person’s needs, and connected to continuing care. Detoxification alone is rarely…
Addiction 3 min read
Relapse Warning Signs and Prevention
Relapse is a process, not only the moment of use. Earlier warning signs may include isolation, sleep disruption, romanticising past use, missed…
Alcohol Addiction 3 min read
Alcohol Use Disorder: Symptoms, Risks and Treatment
Alcohol use disorder ranges from mild to severe and is defined by a pattern of impaired control and harm—not by a particular…
Alcohol Addiction 3 min read
Signs of Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependence may involve craving, impaired control, tolerance, prioritising alcohol, and withdrawal symptoms when drinking falls. Physical dependence increases the danger of…
Alcohol Addiction 3 min read
Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline and Risks
Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of a substantial reduction and may progress unpredictably. Severe complications include seizures and delirium tremens.
Alcohol Addiction 3 min read
Delirium Tremens: Alcohol Withdrawal Emergency Signs
Delirium tremens is a severe alcohol-withdrawal syndrome involving acute confusion and autonomic disturbance, often with agitation or hallucinations. It is a medical…