Our editorial approach
How HowToStop approaches evidence, practical examples, sensitive topics and updates to its guides.
Begin with a real question
Each guide has a distinct job: explain a pattern, support a practical decision or help you prepare for appropriate care. We favour an answer you can use over a list of tips without context.
Connect claims with sources
Health and treatment claims draw on relevant clinical guidance, public-health organisations and research. Links near the claim and a source list help readers check the basis for the explanation. Where research is limited or a source applies to a particular population, the distinction matters.
A research abstract is identified when that is the material reviewed. An institutional information page is not presented as a clinical trial. Country-specific services are labelled so that readers can judge whether they apply.
Keep examples useful and clear
Sample scripts, tables and planning exercises illustrate ways to apply an idea. They are not patient histories, promises of an outcome or accounts of a treatment performed by HowToStop.
Treat sensitive subjects with care
We distinguish unwanted habits from clinical diagnoses and voluntary goals from medical treatment. Where stopping abruptly could be dangerous, the guide directs readers towards appropriate assessment. We avoid universal recovery deadlines and guaranteed cures.
Review what needs to change
A guide’s “Sources checked” date records its source-checking date. Check the linked guidance for its own scope and update history. Changes to evidence, services or important guidance can require a new review.
Readers can report a concern through Corrections. Substantive corrections should explain the issue clearly and preserve the usefulness of the guide.
Editorial responsibility
Guides carry the HowToStop Multidisciplinary Team byline. Questions about a source, a statement or the scope of a guide can be sent through Contact.