The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for a national helpline to support patients with addiction problems as part of a new project to tackle prescription drug dependence.
Professor David Webb, President of the British Pharmacological Society, comments:
“We know that there are many patients who are physically and psychologically dependent on prescription medicines – up to 1.5 million people in the UK according to the House of Commons’ Home Affairs Committee. We are therefore supportive of the three recommendations made by the BMA on the 24 October as a step in the right direction in responding to prescription drug dependence. In addition, the British Pharmacological Society is committed to championing safe and effective prescribing, and the importance of changing prescribing practice.