Clear answers about addiction. Without judgement.
Understand addiction, recognise when something may be becoming a problem, explore treatment options and find the right kind of help.
Not sure which page you need?
Use the guided start page — it begins with your situation, not a diagnosis.
What brings you here?
You do not need to know the right medical term. Start with what feels closest to what is happening.
I'm wondering if I have a problem
Understand common signs of harmful use, dependence and addiction.
Start here →I want to cut down
Explore safer ways to reduce use and when medical advice matters.
Explore your options →I want to stop
Understand treatment, withdrawal and how to approach stopping safely.
Where to start →I've started using again
A return to use does not erase progress. Learn what to do next.
What to do next →I'm worried about someone
How to approach the conversation, set boundaries and find support.
Supporting someone →I need professional help
Understand NHS, charity and private treatment options in the UK.
Finding help →Addiction can be difficult to make sense of.
It is not simply a matter of willpower. Biological, psychological and social factors can all shape how an addictive pattern develops and continues.
What is addiction?
A plain-English introduction to addictive patterns, loss of control and continued use despite harm.
Explore →Dependence vs addiction
Why physical dependence and addiction overlap, but are not the same thing.
Explore →Why addiction develops
Reward, learning, stress, mental health, environment and vulnerability.
Explore →Cravings & withdrawal
Why urges can feel powerful and when withdrawal needs medical support.
Explore →Learn about a specific addiction.
Different substances and behaviours carry different risks. The safest next step depends on what is involved and how it is affecting you.
Alcohol
Dependence, withdrawal, treatment and safer next steps.
Explore →Drugs & medicines
Opioids, stimulants, cannabis, benzodiazepines and prescription medicines.
Explore →Gambling
When gambling becomes difficult to control and where to get help.
Explore →Compulsive behaviours
How to think about repetitive behaviours without over-labelling them.
Explore →Supporting someone
Information for partners, parents, friends and family.
Explore →Faith & culture
How beliefs, community and identity can interact with recovery.
Explore →Before you suddenly stop…
Some forms of withdrawal can be medically dangerous. If you may be physically dependent on alcohol or certain medicines, get advice before stopping suddenly.
Addiction is treatable.
There is no single treatment that suits everyone. Support may involve psychological therapy, medication, structured withdrawal, harm reduction, peer support or a combination.
Psychological therapy
Understand motivational approaches, behavioural treatments and where CBT may fit.
Explore →Medication
When medicines can play a role in alcohol or opioid treatment and ongoing recovery.
Explore →Detox & withdrawal
What detox means and when planned medical support is needed.
Explore →Rehabilitation
Residential and community treatment explained without the marketing gloss.
Explore →Harm reduction
Practical ways to reduce risk even when stopping completely is not the current goal.
Explore →Recovery & setbacks
Building change over time and responding constructively to a return to use.
Explore →Understanding the pattern can make change more possible.
Psychological support can help people make sense of triggers, cravings, difficult emotions, habits, relationships and the role a substance or behaviour has started to play.
Psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or addiction service?
Different professionals do different things. We explain qualifications, treatment roles and when each type of support may be useful.
Compare the different roles →Does faith matter to your recovery?
For some people, faith, culture, family and community are important parts of how addiction is understood and how help is sought. Our faith-sensitive content sits alongside — not instead of — evidence-based treatment.
Beliefs can be a source of strength — not another reason for judgement.
We will not reduce addiction to a moral failing. Faith-specific pages focus on treatment, stigma, family conversations, confidentiality and using spiritual support safely alongside professional care.
Explore faith & culture →Worried about someone you care about?
Supporting someone can be exhausting and confusing. Learn how to raise concerns, encourage treatment, set boundaries and look after yourself.
Guide for families & partners →Clear. Evidence-led. Human.
Addiction Explained is designed as an independent educational resource. Sources are shown, review status is transparent and complex topics are explained without stigma or unnecessary jargon.
Core health content is anchored to recognised UK guidance and reputable sources.
Pages will never imply clinical review before that review has actually taken place.
Information is written to help people make sense of their options, not impress them with terminology.