Addiction library
Deep, sourced guides to specific substances and behaviors — what they are, how they affect the brain, the risks, and what helps. Each one tells you how strong the evidence is.
8 published guides, 23 in preparation
Substance use disorders
Each substance acts differently on the brain and body, with different risks and treatments.
- Alcohol
Recognized diagnosis
Alcohol is legal, social, and everywhere — which makes it one of the hardest substances to see clearly, and one of the most important to stop safely.
- Opioids
Recognized diagnosis
Opioid use disorder is serious, treatable, and survivable — and the most important facts on this page could save a life tonight.
Includes: Fentanyl, Heroin, Prescription opioid painkillers
- Methamphetamine
Recognized diagnosis
Methamphetamine pulls hard on the brain's motivation systems. Recovery can take time — and the brain and body can heal.
- Benzodiazepines
Recognized diagnosis
Useful medicines that can become hard to stop. The most important rule: never stop suddenly without medical help.
- Cannabis
Recognized diagnosis
Legal in many places, often seen as harmless — and still a cause of real dependence for a significant share of people who use it.
- Nicotine, tobacco, and vaping
Recognized diagnosis
The most common addiction in the world — and one with some of the best-supported, most widely available treatments.
Cocaine
In preparation
Stimulant use disorder guide, including crack cocaine and fentanyl contamination.
Prescription stimulants
In preparation
Misuse of ADHD medicines, distinct from treatment as prescribed.
Sedatives and sleep medicines
In preparation
Non-benzodiazepine sedatives and related withdrawal safety.
Inhalants
In preparation
Solvents, aerosols, and gases, with emergency guidance.
Other substances and polysubstance use
In preparation
Combined use, xylazine and other adulterants, and novel substances.
Behavioral addictions and compulsive patterns
Only gambling and gaming are formally recognized as addictive disorders. Each page explains how its topic is classified.
- Gambling
Recognized diagnosis
Why a game you are mathematically expected to lose can still feel impossible to walk away from — and what actually helps.
- Gaming
Recognized in ICD-11
Most people who play video games never develop a problem. For a small group, gaming takes over — and that deserves to be taken seriously.
Problematic pornography use
In preparation
Classification and evidence are debated; the guide will explain why.
Compulsive sexual behavior
In preparation
Classified in ICD-11 as an impulse control disorder, not an addiction.
Problematic social media use
In preparation
Not a formal diagnosis; research on harms is evolving.
Compulsive shopping
In preparation
Not a formal diagnosis in ICD-11 or DSM-5-TR.
Problematic internet use
In preparation
An umbrella term; overlaps with gaming and social media.
Problematic work behavior
In preparation
Sometimes called workaholism; not a formal diagnosis.
Compulsive exercise
In preparation
Often linked with eating disorders; will route to specialist care.
Problematic eating patterns
In preparation
Eating disorders are not addictions; this guide will direct readers to specialized eating-disorder care.
Related conditions
Conditions and experiences that often occur alongside addiction. They are not addictions themselves.
ADHD and substance use
In preparation
A related condition, not an addiction.
Anxiety and substance use
In preparation
A related condition, not an addiction.
Depression and substance use
In preparation
A related condition, not an addiction.
Trauma and substance use
In preparation
A related condition, not an addiction.
Grief
In preparation
A related experience, not an addiction.
Chronic pain
In preparation
Pain, opioids, and other treatment options.
Loneliness and social isolation
In preparation
A related experience, not an addiction.
Co-occurring mental health conditions
In preparation
Integrated care for co-occurring disorders.
Family stress
In preparation
A related experience, not an addiction.
Relationship difficulties
In preparation
A related experience, not an addiction.