Article
Details
Citation
Sinclair JMA, Kalk NJ, Kaar SJ, Agabio R, Arunogiri S, Bisaga A, Chesney E, Daly C, Dewhurst J, Freeman TP, Ghosh A, Hemrage S, Leggio L, Lingford-Hughes A & Matheson C (2026) Evidence-based consensus guidelines for the pharmacological management of substance dependence: Recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 40 (2), pp. 227-272. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811251399593
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.
Keywords
substance use disorder; substance dependence; treatment; evidence-based guidelines; international; pharmacotherapy; medically assisted withdrawal; detoxification; substitution therapy; re;apse prevention; harm reduction; tapering
Notes
Additional authors:
Rebecca McKetin, Louise M Paterson, Emmert Roberts, Deborah Robson, Jenny Scott, Sarah Welch
Journal
Journal of Psychopharmacology: Volume 40, Issue 2
| Status | Published |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 28/02/2026 |
| Publication date online | 28/02/2026 |
| Date accepted by journal | 25/11/2025 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications |
| ISSN | 0269-8811 |
| eISSN | 1461-7285 |
People (1)
Professor in Substance Use, CHeCR