Best practice for Prescribing Drugs with Dependence Potential
Date: 08th August 2026 | By: Dr Lourdes Gaspar
Best practice for prescribing drugs with dependence potential – The Pharmaceutical Journal
A recent Pharmaceutical Journal article highlights the importance of safe, evidence-based prescribing of medicines such as opioids, Z drugs, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, antidepressants and ADHD stimulants. While these medicines can significantly improve quality of life, they also carry risks of dependence, withdrawal and medication-related harm if not carefully managed.
Key messages include:
✅ Recognising the difference between physical dependence and addiction to support compassionate, stigma-free care. Best practice for prescribing drugs with dependence potential – The Pharmaceutical Journal
✅ Using comprehensive risk assessment, shared decision-making and regular medication reviews throughout treatment. Best practice for prescribing drugs with dependence potential – The Pharmaceutical Journal
✅ Prioritising non-pharmacological interventions wherever appropriate to reduce reliance on long-term medication.
✅ Implementing gradual, patient-centred deprescribing strategies rather than abrupt discontinuation.
Importantly, psychological approaches should be seen as part of the solution, not an afterthought. Evidence-based interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including programmes like ACTforPAIN, can help people develop psychological flexibility, improve functioning and quality of life, and better manage chronic pain and distress without increasing dependence on medication. This aligns with the article’s call for person-centred, multidisciplinary care and greater use of non-pharmacological approaches alongside medicines when appropriate.
The future of medicines optimisation is not simply prescribing more safely, but combining good prescribing practice with effective psychological, behavioural and social support to help patients achieve sustainable long-term outcomes.
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