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Non-opiate drug dependence

Checked: 23-04-2022 by Vicky Ryan Next Review: 23-04-2023

Overview

Benzodiazepines and z drugs

Please see the following document which is a support document consolidating national guidance, expert opinion and local resources to aid local practice including prescribing, de-prescribing/withdrawal and self-care.

BNSSG Benzodiazepines and Z drug Prescribing (including withdrawal) Support Document.

Support for patients with non-opiate drug dependence

Each of the commissioned Drug & Alcohol Services support patients with Non-opiate drug dependence.

Bristol ROADS - Bristol

We Are With You - North Somerset

Developing Health & Independence (DHI) - South Gloucestershire

Other local services

PostScript 360 - This Bristol based charitable organisation can provide support and information for individuals who taking drugs associated with dependence including benzodiazepines, z-drugs, tranquilisers, gabapentoids and 'legal highs'. They also provide training for health care professionals. Support line: 0117 9663629. Email: info@postscript360.org.uk

Additional help and support

Narcotics Anonymous https://ukna.org/ – Offers support, a telephone helpline, local support groups/meetings.

ADFAM https://adfam.org.uk/ - A national charity working to improve life for families affected by drugs or alcohol. Offers a helpline and links to local support groups.

NHS https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/ - Patient information on how and where to get help with drug addiction.

Patient UK https://patient.info/mental-health/insomnia-poor-sleep/benzodiazepines-and-z-drugs - Background information aimed at patients around benzodiazepines and z-drugs and associated issues.

Resources

BNSSG Benzodiazepines and Z drug Prescribing (including withdrawal) Support Document

Clinical Knowledge Summaries has guidelines on Benzodiazepine and z drug withdrawal

Resource pack for clinicians in GP practices in relation to the QOF Quality Improvement Module 2022-23 Practice Support Pack: Patients Prescribed Dependence Forming Medications (DFM)

Driving

DVLA guidance is available on drug or alcohol misuse and dependence (pg. 100).

GMC guidance is available on how to speak to a patient about driving, what to do if you’re unsure about their fitness to drive, and the steps to take if a patient continues to drive after you’ve advised them to stop.

Efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and agreement of these guidelines, including any content uploaded, referred to or linked to from the system. However, BNSSG ICB cannot guarantee this. This guidance does not override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make decisions appropriate to the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer, in accordance with the mental capacity act, and informed by the summary of product characteristics of any drugs they are considering. Practitioners are required to perform their duties in accordance with the law and their regulators and nothing in this guidance should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties.

Information provided through Remedy is continually updated so please be aware any printed copies may quickly become out of date.