Overview of approaches to treating addiction

Historically, approaches to illicit substances have encompassed a spectrum ranging from open use to prohibition.³ The 20^th century is full of examples of national, and international, attempts to control the use and trade of substances of abuse, including opium and alcohol.³ More recently, the focus of many policy makers and healthcare providers across the world has been to move to a harm-reduction model.^3,4 The British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP) has developed evidence-based consensus guidelines for the pharmacological management of substance-use disorders and other addictions, which are outlined on the slide.⁴

References:
[1] Rosenthal RJ, Faris SB. The etymology and early history of ‘addiction’. Addict Res Theory 2019; 27 (5): 437–449.

[2] Crocq MA. Historical and cultural aspects of man’s relationship with addictive drugs. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2007; 9 (4): 355–361.

[3] Gomes TB, Vecchia MD. Harm reduction strategies regarding the misuse of alcohol and other drugs: a review of the literature. Cien Saude Colet 2018; 23 (7): 2327–2338.

[4] Lingford-Hughes AR, Welch S, Peters L, Nutt DJ; British Association for Psychopharmacology, Expert Reviewers Group. BAP updated guidelines: evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of substance abuse, harmful use, addiction and comorbidity: recommendations from BAP. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26 (7): 899–952.