DrugScope has welcomed the publication of the All Party Parliamentary Drugs Misuse Group’s (APPDMG) findings from its inquiry into dependence and addiction to over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Based on evidence gathered from a wide range of stakeholders, the inquiry highlighted the addiction potential of prescription-only medicines such as benzodiazepines. It also raised concerns over the use of some painkillers, particularly those containing codeine, which are available without prescription.
DrugScope assisted the development of the inquiry and provides secretariat support to the APPDMG, which is chaired by Dr Brian Iddon MP.
Responding to today’s report DrugScope Chief Executive Martin Barnes said:
"The report highlights the important and too often neglected issue of addiction to prescription and over-the-counter medications and the harms caused. While the addiction potential and distressing withdrawal symptoms of drugs like benzodiazepines are well established, regrettably support services for overcoming them are not.
”We hope the report will be the catalyst for much greater awareness of the potential harms that prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause and we welcome the inquiry’s recommendation that the government carry out research into this area. Establishing the extent of the problems associated with these medicines must be a priority.
“The small number of support groups that exist play an important role, but the inquiry has highlighted the need for better information and support from GPs and health service providers."
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
The All Party Parliamentary Group report is entitled An Inquiry into Physical Dependence and Addiction to Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication and you can download a copy below.
For more information and/or interviews with Dr Brian Iddon MP, contact Gemma Reay on 020 7219 2096 or email reayg@parliament.uk
About DrugScope
For more information from DrugScope contact Andrew McNicoll at the DrugScope Press Office on 0207 520 7563 (07736 895 563 out of hours) or email press@drugscope.org.uk
About the All Party Parliamentary Drugs Misuse Group Report
Today’s report details the findings of the group’s year-long inquiry into dependence on over-the-counter and prescription-only medicines. The APPDMG inquiry gathered written and oral evidence from the general public, medical and addictions specialists, charities and support services, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies.
The officers of the APPDMG are: Dr Brian Iddon MP (Chair), Paul Flynn MP, Lord Mancroft, Lord Rea, Baroness Masham of Ilton (Vice Chairs), Dai Davies MP (Treasurer), David Burrowes MP (Secretary).
DrugScope provides secretariat support to the APPDMG.
