Publication of recommendations and consultation analysis on prescription medicine dependence and withdrawal
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 28th February 2022
The Scottish Government's Short Life Working group have released the outcomes from their work
In response to a petition submitted to the Scottish Parliament and work undertaken by Public Health England (PHE) to review dependence and withdrawal associated with some prescribed medicines, the Scottish Government established a short life working group (SLWG). The group was asked to look at the scale of the issues in Scotland. Membership of the SLWG included medical, pharmacy and nursing representation from the professions as well as professional bodies, patients with lived experience, patient organisations, SIGN, Public Health Scotland and academia.
The group sought to identify the scale, distribution and underlying contributors to prescription drug dependence and what might be done to address this in Scotland.
The review covered adults (aged 18 and over) and 5 classes of medicines:
• Benzodiazepines (mostly prescribed for anxiety and/or insomnia)
• Z-drugs (sleeping tablets with effects similar to benzodiazepines)
• Gabapentin and pregabalin (together called gabapentinoids and used to treat
epilepsy, neuropathic pain and, in the case of pregabalin, anxiety disorders)
• Opioids for chronic non-cancer pain
• Antidepressants (for depression, anxiety disorders and neuropathic pain).
The group shared draft recommendations within a consultation. An analysis of consultation responses can be found here (this link will take you away from our website).
The final agreed recommendations from the Short Life Working Group on Prescription Medicine Dependence and Withdrawal, amended following the consultation, can be found here (this link will take you away from our website).
End of page.
You may also like:
You can get involved by responding to their call for evidence or joining their community of interest.
Continue readingBy sharing your views, you are directly taking part in changing things for the better for young women and girls.
Continue readingDedicated to supporting disabled young people aged 16–25 achieve positive futures.
Continue readingDigiKnowVember is Renfrewshire’s annual celebration of digital inclusion.
Continue readingThe 2027 GSK IMPACT Awards and GSK Community Health programme to support small charities are now open for applications.
Continue readingPriorities concerning gambling advertising from ScotRGH's latest Roundtable event.
Continue readingAnnual workforce survey now open for social care services employing registered nurses
Continue readingFor the first time, SEMTSF is localising across Scotland, bringing the summit experience to Aberdeen, Glasgow, Fife, and Edinburgh.
Continue readingThe University of Edinburgh is conducting the SCOPE+ research study on post-abortion contraception, and wants to hear from many voices.
Continue readingHave your say on how to create a more inclusive transport system for everyone.
Continue readingYou’re Connected: new partnership with The Melting Pot offers exclusive benefits to ALLIANCE members
Access discounts to The Melting Pot’s co-working community and flexible workspaces.
Continue readingHave your say on the role of Vision Rehabilitation Assistants.
Continue readingThe survey is part of research to improve the lives of Scottish LGBTQ+ communities.
Continue readingGeneral Pharmaceutical Council are raising awareness of buying medicines from fake online pharmacies and other illegal sellers.
Continue readingSocial support group for adults with any level of Deafness or tinnitus.
Continue readingFamily Fund are calling for Scottish Government to take bold action to reduce digital exclusion amongst families with a disabled child.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE celebrates five years since the launch of the Discover Digital Guide and wants you to help shape its refresh.
Continue readingObesity Action Scotland are hosting a focus group to hear your views on GLP-1 medicines.
Continue readingThis is your chance to help inform the Community Knowledge Matter (CKM) network.
Continue readingThe Gambling Harm and Mental Health fund is open for applicants
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingLast call for nominations for the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland.
Continue readingParticipate in a study into family or carer outcomes after critical illness (FOCUS), led by the University of Cambridge.
Continue readingLast call to nominate for the Frontline Awards 2026.
Continue readingRead our published response on the voting experiences of people who are Deaf, Deafblind, or who have Visual Impairments.
Continue reading