The difference between dependence and addiction, the intricacies of addiction and providing a definition of opioid use disorder

Legacy patients on high dose opioids or on combination hypno-sedatives including the combination of opioids and benzodiazepines are at an elevated risk of death. The OPQRST mnemonic can be used to conceptualise the strategies that help to mitigate legacy patients’ risk of death and to trend them towards a position of safer prescribing.

An introduction to opioids, how they work what receptors they act upon and some of the harms associated with opioids

Alcohol use disorder is a common, well known but at the same time large and mystifying field. It can sometimes appear confusing how to manage patient with alcohol use disorder given it’s chronic relapsing and remitting nature.

Managing alcohol use disorder requires several interventions to ensure success. One of the most effective tools that best predicts against relapse prevention are behavioural interventions.

The aim of anti-craving medications in alcohol use disorder is to prevent relapse or decrease cravings for alcohol. They are typically prescribed for relapse prevention once acute alcohol withdrawal is over and the best evidence favours the co-prescribing of anti-craving medications with behavioural modification therapies.

Residential withdrawal management is about managing potentially high-risk patient who may be at risk of significant complications during their alcohol withdrawal in a safe, humane and holistic manner.

The safe management of alcohol withdrawal is a fundamental skill that medical practitioners should be aware to perform. It is a protocol driven management and needs to be to ensure patient safety.

Alcohol is a common and ubiquitous part of our lives. It is widely consumed, portrayed and advertised in the media and consuming alcohol is an acceptable part of adult life

Alcohol is a common and ubiquitous part of our lives. It is widely consumed, portrayed and advertised in the media and consuming alcohol is an acceptable part of adult life

Alcohol is a common and ubiquitous part of our lives. It is widely consumed, portrayed and advertised in the media and consuming alcohol is an acceptable part of adult life

Addiction Medicine is a speciality of medicine shrouding in mystery and disinformation as is addiction and substance use disorder.