Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

10 guides

Alcohol addictionClinical name: Alcohol Use DisorderA medical condition, not a moral failing. Treatable, though withdrawal in heavy drinkers needs medical care.10 min read Cannabis (bhang) addictionClinical name: Cannabis Use DisorderYes, cannabis can be addictive. “Natural” does not mean harmless, especially for the developing teenage brain.9 min read Opioid addiction (including heroin)Clinical name: Opioid Use DisorderA dangerous but very treatable addiction. Long-term medicines like methadone save lives; overdose can be reversed.10 min read Stimulant addiction (including khat/miraa)Clinical name: Stimulant Use DisorderKhat, amphetamines, cocaine. Holding two truths at once: a regional livelihood, and a real source of dependence and harm.10 min read Tobacco and nicotine addictionClinical name: Tobacco Use DisorderNicotine is one of the most addictive substances known. Quitting is hard, succeeds eventually, and help doubles the odds.8 min read Sleeping-pill and sedative dependenceClinical name: Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use DisorderOften starts with a real prescription. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous; coming off needs a gradual, supervised plan.9 min read Hallucinogen-related problemsClinical name: Hallucinogen-Related DisordersNot strongly physically addictive, but not without risk: bad trips, lingering perceptual changes, and psychosis in the vulnerable.9 min read Inhalant (glue) addictionClinical name: Inhalant Use DisorderCheap, legal, and able to kill on a first use. Overwhelmingly a danger to vulnerable children, and a safeguarding emergency.9 min read Caffeine problemsClinical name: Caffeine-Related DisordersHarmless for most, but real trouble for some: anxiety, palpitations, broken sleep, and a genuine withdrawal headache.8 min read Gambling addiction (including betting apps)Clinical name: Gambling DisorderThe one behavioural addiction recognised alongside drugs. Betting apps put a casino in every pocket, hour by hour.10 min read