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Evidence-led information · Clinical editorial standards
Evidence-led guides about substances, behaviors, treatment, recovery and family support.
Prescription opioid addiction involves compulsive or uncontrolled use despite harm. It is distinct from expected physical dependence during correctly managed pain treatment,…
Benzodiazepine reduction is usually a gradual, individualised clinical process rather than a rapid “detox.” The pace may need adjustment according to symptoms,…
Benzodiazepine withdrawal may include anxiety, insomnia, tremor, sensory sensitivity, nausea, perceptual disturbance, and—in severe cases—seizure or delirium. Symptoms can be difficult to…
Benzodiazepine dependence can develop during prescribed or non-medical use. Physical dependence means abrupt cessation may cause withdrawal; addiction additionally involves impaired control…
Opioid tolerance can fall quickly during detoxification, hospitalisation, incarceration, residential treatment, or a period of non-use. Returning to a previously tolerated amount…
Buprenorphine and methadone are evidence-based treatments that reduce illicit opioid use and mortality; extended-release naltrexone may suit selected patients after an opioid-free…
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can temporarily reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression. It has no effect on a person who has not…
Opioid detox manages withdrawal, but it does not treat the full opioid use disorder and can reduce tolerance. Discharge without medication, naloxone,…
Opioid withdrawal often causes aches, sweating, yawning, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, anxiety, insomnia, and intense craving. It is usually not directly fatal in…
Z-drugs and other sleeping medicines can produce tolerance, dependence, rebound insomnia, next-day impairment, and loss of control in some users.
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and related synthetic opioids can be extremely potent and may be present in products sold as heroin, pills, or…
Heroin use can rapidly establish tolerance and physical dependence, but severity is defined by control and consequences rather than route or frequency…