Evidence-based consensus guidelines for the pharmacological management of substance dependence: recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines for the management of substance dependence focus primarily on the pharmacological aspects of treatment. A group of international experts from a wide range of disciplines reviewed the current evidence in their field, considered the strength of the evidence and discussed the clinical implications at a consensus meeting. The guidelines focus on the pharmacological management of dependence on alcohol, benzodiazepines, ‘z-drugs’, γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gabapentinoids, opioids, nicotine, cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine, dissociative drugs and their analogues. They are based on the available evidence and make recommendations to aid clinical decision making, as well as highlighting the gaps in the current evidence-base.
Date Issued
2026-02-01
Date Acceptance
2026-02-01
Citation
Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2026, 40 (2), pp.227-272
ISSN
0269-8811
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Start Page
227
End Page
272
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Psychopharmacology
Volume
40
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2026
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/41731947
Subjects
detoxification
evidence-based guidelines
harm reduction
international
medically assisted withdrawal
pharmacotherapy
relapse prevention
substance dependence
substance use disorder
substitution therapy
tapering
treatment
Humans
Substance-Related Disorders
Psychopharmacology
Consensus
Evidence-Based Medicine
United Kingdom
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
United States
Date Publish Online
2026-02-23