§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many drugs prescribed in the National Health Service are addictive; how many have pronounced withdrawal symptoms; what advice his Department gives in such cases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe number is constantly changing, but there are currently about 30 physically addictive drugs, used 239W in many more different preparations, all of which, with the possible exception of cocaine, have pronounced withdrawal symptoms. In addition, there are at least 17 psychologically addictive drugs which, either alone or in preparations, are abused on a fairly wide scale, and a number of others in therapeutic use which are abused to some extent. Although reactions can vary widely, in general, these drugs do not have severe withdrawal symptoms.
The Department is one of those advised by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) on matters relating to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Regulations made under that Act. The recommendations of that body enable the legislation to be kept under constant review. The Department has issued to doctors a Guide which explains in non-legal language the everyday responsibilities and rights of doctors, dentists and members of allied professions under the Act and regulations. This includes an explanation of the procedure for notifying the chief medical officer at the Home Office where addiction is suspected, and an alphabetical list of all drugs controlled under the Act.