Addiction to legal drugs ‘a growing problem’
Dependence on over-the-counter and prescription drugs is becoming a significant problem, according to a new report.
The all party parliamentary drugs misuse group conducted a year-long investigation into legal drug dependency.
It found a number of individuals who have been taking medication such as benzodiazepines, some antidepressants and strong painkillers for more than 30 years.
Dr Brian Iddon, chairman of the APPDMG, said the enquiry has merely "scratched the surface" of the 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," he said.
He added that the issue cannot be overlooked any longer and called for proper diagnosis and support for those affected.
Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, welcomed the report, saying it could be the "catalyst" for increased awareness about the potential harm of addiction to prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
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