Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of substance misuse, addiction and comorbidity:: recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology

The British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines for the treatment of substance misuse, addiction and comorbidity with psychiatric disorders primarily focus on their pharmacological management. They are based explicitly on the available evidence and presented as recommendations to aid clinical decision making for practitioners alongside a detailed review of the evidence. A consensus meeting, involving experts in the treatment of these disorders, reviewed key areas and considered the strength of the evidence and clinical implications. The guidelines were drawn up after feedback from participants. The guidelines primarily cover the pharmacological management of withdrawal, short- and long-term substitution, maintenance of abstinence and prevention of complications, where appropriate, in substance misuse, addiction and comorbidity with psychiatric disorders.