Addiction

How to provide advice on alcohol consumption and explain the potential health risks

Alcohol consumption has increased during the  COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists can provide patients with support and information to enable them to make informed choices about their intake.…

There is a vulnerable group we must not leave behind in our response to COVID-19: people who are dependent on illicit drugs

None of us are safe from COVID-19, but the health status, needs and behaviours of those who use illicit drugs leave them particularly vulnerable — pharmacists can reduce this risk, says drugs researcher Amira Guirguis.…

Pharmacists could be asked to advise patients on drinking and smoking under NICE proposals

Community pharmacists could be asked to strike up a conversation with patients about their general wellbeing, to encourage them to stop smoking, cut down on drinking and/or lose weight.…

Benzodiazepines linked to overdose deaths among those treated for opioid dependency

Individuals treated for opioid dependency who also take benzodiazepines are almost three times more likely to die from an overdose, research published in PLoS Medicine has suggested.…

Benzodiazepine and Z-drug prescribing linked to socioeconomic deprivation

Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are prescribed more frequently in areas of greater socioeconomic deprivation, a study published in Family Practice has shown.…

Scotland’s first heroin-assisted treatment service launched in Glasgow

Scotland’s first heroin-assisted treatment service has launched in Glasgow city centre. However, a pharmacist involved in designing the service has said a drug consumption room is needed to run alongside it. …

‘Peer-to-peer naloxone’ project to give street access to the medicine

A pilot scheme that will provide the overdose reversal medicine, naloxone, to those who need it on the streets could be extended across the UK.…

‘Painkillers don’t exist’ campaign launched in area with one of the highest opioid prescribing rates in England

A clinical commissioning group in the north east of England has launched a campaign to tackle opioid addiction after it was found to have one of the highest prescribing rates of opioids in the country.…

MPs call for drug consumption room pilots to overhaul ‘failing’ UK drugs policy

Drug consumption rooms should be introduced on a pilot basis in areas of high need, a report from the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee has said.…

Opioid use disorder: adherence to prescribed medicines in community pharmacy

A cross-sectional survey assessing adherence medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, and the predictors of risk of poor adherence.…