Pharmacological interventions are interventions that include prescribing for detoxification, stabilisation, maintenance and symptomatic relief of substance misuse as well as prescribing of medications to prevent relapse.
They are prescribed on an individual basis in conjunction with provision of a range of psychosocial interventions as agreed between treatment provider and an individual in their treatment care plan.
Recommended prescribing practices are outlined in “Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management” (Department of Health 2007) and are supported by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) technology appraisals. A copy has already been placed in the Library. “Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management” (Department of Health 2007) also summarises the current NICE guidance on drug treatments for drug dependence.