Evidence-based consensus guidelines for the pharmacological management of substance dependence: Recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology

Julia MA Sinclair;Nicola J Kalk;Stephen J Kaar;Roberta Agabio

Member of the Collaboration Group

;Shalini Arunogiri;Adam Bisaga;Edward Chesney;Chris Daly;Jonathan Dewhurst;Tom P Freeman;Abhishek Ghosh;Sophia Hemrage;Lorenzo Leggio;Anne Lingford-Hughes;Catriona Matheson;Rebecca McKetin;Louise M Paterson;Emmert Roberts;Deborah Robson;Jenny Scott;Sarah Welch

2026-01-01

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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.