Bromazolam is an illicit, unlicensed benzodiazepine—a psychoactive substance with no approved medical use in the UK. It’s often sold as diazepam in Wales, creating a significant substitution risk and unexpected potency for those who buy it. Bromazolam was the most commonly identified illicit drug in Wales last year. In 2021, 61 drug misuse deaths in…
Cardiff, like many UK cities, has a substance use and drug related harm problem. This article looks at the evidence behind Cardiff’s drug problem, the data, causes and responses from police, health services and the community. Does Cardiff Have a Drug Problem? Quick Answer with the Data Yes, Cardiff does have a drug problem but…
Pregabalin, widely known by the brand name Lyrica, is a prescription medication used across the UK to treat nerve pain, epilepsy, and generalised anxiety disorder. While effective when taken as prescribed, pregabalin carries risks of dependence and, for some people, addiction. This guide explains what pregabalin addiction looks like, its warning signs, withdrawal symptoms, and…
Did you know that opioid-related deaths in the UK just keep climbing higher and higher? Studies indicate that fatal overdoses involving opioids now exceed 2,000 annually in England and Wales alone, with Scotland recording some of the highest drug death rates in Europe! Recent reports have also identified emerging threats from synthetic opioids, including an…
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine prescribed to treat insomnia, typically for short term treatment lasting no more than two to four weeks. When used beyond this period, or at higher doses than recommended, temazepam can lead to physical and psychological dependence, and in some cases, addiction. This guide provides clear, clinically-grounded information about temazepam addiction, how…
Combining benzos and cocaine UK is becoming increasingly common in the UK. Many people underestimate the risks of mixing benzos and cocaine, and for some, it is too late to realise the consequences. Heart attacks are a leading cause of death among cocaine users, highlighting the severe health risks associated with its use. Understanding how…
What is an MDMA Comedown? An MDMA comedown is the period of low mood, fatigue and other unpleasant symptoms that can follow after the drug leaves your system and its effects wear off. It’s important to understand that this varies enormously between individuals and even between different occasions of use. Some people notice only mild…
Both heroin and methadone are opioids that act on the same receptors in the brain, but they work differently and last longer in the body. When someone who is dependent on either of these substances stops or reduces their use, opioid withdrawal occurs. Understanding the clinical differences between heroin withdrawal and methadone withdrawal is important…
Benzodiazepine withdrawal duration varies significantly between individuals, with withdrawal symptoms typically lasting from days to months depending on multiple factors including the specific medication, dosage, duration of use, and individual physiology. Understanding how long benzodiazepine withdrawal lasts requires examining different phases: acute withdrawal, protracted withdrawal, and post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This comprehensive guide examines the…
Cannabis does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people feel relaxed and calm. Others experience strong anxiety, panic or a sense that something is seriously wrong, particularly with higher doses or potent products. Cannabis use can lead to adverse health effects, including mental health issues such as anxiety, especially with regular or high-potency…