www.codeinefree.me.uk

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Gemma Reay and Dr Brian Iddon MP have published their report after it being almost a year in the making.

http://www.codeinefree.me.uk/phpBB2/dload.php?action=file&file_id=5

I've added it to our downloads section now.

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MPs' inquiry concludes dependence on over-the-counter and
prescription-only medicines 'a significant problem'

The All Party Parliamentary Drugs Misuse Group (APPDMG) today publishes the findings of a year-long inquiry into dependence to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-only medicines (POM). The inquiry, conducted Select Committee-style, took written and oral evidence from the general public, medical and addictions specialists, charities and support groups, pharmaceutical companies and trade and regulatory bodies. The report details problems faced by individuals who develop dependency problems to a range of prescription and over-the-counter medication.

Prescription-only medicines implicated include benzodiazepines and some antidepressants, while the inquiry also heard about problems with over-the-counter medications including some painkillers, particularly those containing codeine. The inquiry heard evidence from a couple of individuals who had been taking benzodiazepines for thirty years - despite guidance to doctors saying the drugs should be prescribed for no longer than 4 weeks at a time. Some people had been incapacitated by the symptoms associated with their dependence on or withdrawal from medication, which included panic attacks, confusion, anxiety, severe joint pain, tremors and stomach ulcers.

Many people described the lack of support available when discovering they were dependent on medication they had been prescribed by their GP or that they had bought from their pharmacy. Drug treatment services are not necessarily geared to help individuals with a dependency on OTC or POM drugs and so small charities, support groups and online forums are frequently their only source of advice and help.

APPDMG Members were also concerned about the lack of official data recorded which could help determine the scale of the problem of OTC or POM dependency. While not within the scope of the inquiry to address this directly, it is a key recommendation of the Group that research should be carried out by the Department of Health into the problem as a matter of urgency. The APPDMG's wide-ranging recommendations also include:

. that medical students and nurses should be trained to recognise the symptoms of OTC and POM dependency;
. that the Department of Health should require all Primary Care Trusts to provide appropriate treatment for those with an OTC or POM dependency;
. that information and warnings about potential dependence should be included with every sale of products containing codeine;
. that the value of small support groups including online fora should be recognised and appropriate government funding allocated to ensure their continued operation.

Dr Brian Iddon, Member of Parliament for Bolton South East and Chairman of the APPDMG, said:

"Our inquiry has only scratched the surface of this problem. We have received evidence from individuals and support groups about the extremely distressing effects of dependency to or withdrawal from a range of over-the-counter or prescription-only drugs. More concerning still is the lack of support available. Local drug treatment services are often unable to assist and if their GP is unsympathetic, people can be left to deal with their problems alone.

"Despite clear guidance around the use of benzodiazepines, we heard from many people still in receipt of regular repeat prescriptions, some for years at a time. I was also shocked by evidence suggesting that a considerable number of people in the UK are addicted to over-the-counter products containing codeine. This issue cannot be ignored any longer. We must establish the scale of the problem and provide proper diagnosis and treatment for those affected.

"I would like to thank all those organisations and individuals, including members of the APPDMG, who have participated in this inquiry, and express our particular thanks to those members of the public shared their personal experiences with us."

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I've added the PAGB response to the report to our download section.

http://www.codeinefree.me.uk/phpBB2/dload.php?action=file&file_id=6

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The transcript of the open parliament session - 16/6/09

[claire b]

PLEASE READ THE ABOVE.... IT SEEMS ALOT... BUT ITS EASY READING AND VERY INTERESTING!!!!





(capitals on on purpose )